Reddit mentions of The Holmes Inspection: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Your Home

It is #6 + your budget is holding you back assuming your area is all $235k for 2br+1bath. The #6 ties you to an area. Generally a certain area was built up all at one time and if they were all built as 2br + 1 bathroom, that is what you will find there unless someone has expanded/renovated since. Then if all those 2br + 1bath are listed at $215k-235k trying to find something outside the base (semi-renovated, extra bedroom, extra 0.5 bath, ect), is going to cost more.

My advice, try to find #1, #2, #4 (at least a decent layout, does not need to be updated), #6 and ideally #5.

3 is not important. Actually crappy carpet can be a positive because many people can't see past it and the house sells cheaper. Pulling out carpet and putting in wood/engineered is not a big deal.

4 If you have decent layout and the cabinet boxes are ok, getting your cabinet doors refinished/painted/replaced and a new counter put down is an easy fix to make a BIG improvement.

Trying to add a 3rd bedroom or 0.5 bath can open up a huge can of worms with permits/electrical/plumbing so best to avoid if possible.

Find something with good bones in the area you like and the rest can be slowly improved as budget permits. Be sure to have a good home inspector but it is also not a bad idea to read up yourself and look for red flags as well (https://www.amazon.ca/Holmes-Inspection-Essential-Homeowner-Seller/dp/1603209298)

Good luck.

found this book... thinking about ordering it just to understand the essentials:

http://www.amazon.com/Holmes-Inspection-Essential-Homeowner-Seller/dp/1603209298/ref=pd_sim_b_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0KA0C0JH157ZXYERQM3R