Did some landscaping this weekend putting in cuttings that a friend gave me from her garden. I was just looking back at photos from when we bought our house and I completely forgot how absolutely terrible it looked! I'm sure the Mustachians have all sorts of tales about their diamonds in the rough.
Our 1750 sq ft duplex (which we bought for less than the cost of a 500 sq ft house in our overpriced area) was infested with cockroaches, had rats living in the walls, was home to an extended family of hoarders, and what would become our master bedroom had a huge graffiti mural on it (6x4). It wasn't even listed on the MLS properly (showed up as being in a way less desirable city 45 mins away). Needless to say the only offers (and maybe even showings) were us and two separate investors.
We got it below market, and are owner occupying the front unit while renting out the back unit. Most of the improvements were cosmetic (paint, installing a washer dryer and dishwasher, refinishing hardwood floors hidden under carpet, and deep deep cleaning). When we were getting ready to move in I was so disgusted scraping the cockroach gel the renters had applied to all the kitchen cabinets I told my husband I wouldn't even be able to use the kitchen. Needless to say I got over that.
I can't believe how much progress we have made in less than two years. It was really shocking to see the old photos.
What is the most disgusting opportunity you have found and conquered? How badly have you held your nose to score a deal (that then had to be promptly cleaned up)? How did it work out for you?