What does it cost to repair a foreclosed property? The answer is usually found by deciding on who does the work.

Some of the work you will likely do yourself, especially in the beginning. Whether it be a room that needs painting, replacing a leaky faucet, or fixing a faulty doorbell, small projects are often a Saturday afternoon project. Wearing your paint-spattered jeans, the work is done step-by-step as you wade through the minor fixes. You will also find yourself throwing away unbelievable mounds of trash.

As you progress in your foreclosure investment career, you will soon identify which projects you will do yourself and which are better handled by a professional. While you might be trying to save money to increase your profit, when you are in over your head, call a professional. For example, if you know nothing about oil burners, don't try to fix one yourself. Call a pro!

Landscaping is one area that you might try to tackle yourself. With some teenagers, a plan, and plants, you can quickly improve the appearance of your property. Painting is another area that can quickly improve a property without huge expense or tremendous difficulty. Keep in mind that the size of the project could mandate the hiring of a professional. It is one thing to paint a porch and another to paint an entire house. Fixing the landscaping in a small yard is a different project from replanting and reseeding a two-acre lawn.

Roofs can be problematic. When there are signs of problems, get a professional to repair it. Mold, mildew, wet basements, and soggy crawlspaces also signal problems. Plumbing, electrical, cooling, and heating systems can also be expensive.

Obviously it makes sense to get the best job done for the least amount of money. However, shoddy workmanship is never worth buying. Keep in mind that your reputation is on the line with each real-estate transaction. Don't purchase substandard repairs or renovation.