One of the perks of living in my neighborhood is that I have access to a remodeling advisor, free of charge. I just found this out, and I have an appointment with him next week.

This is a prelude to the possibility of a neighborhood-sponsored loan from the Fix-Up-Fund, which is designed for this very thing. I may be ineligible because of a wonky credit score and the weird mortgage/title thing, but it's worth a look.