How to plan a renovation

[Cameron Collins]

My fiancee and I live in Austin, TX and are currently renting an apartment. We are looking to purchase a duplex in around 6 months after our wedding at which point we would live in one half while renting out the other half. We've been doing a lot of research into key areas to focus on regarding renovations and are trying to plan out what the process will look like once we end up taking ownership. Would love advice on a couple of things:
Neither of us are particularly handy and both of us work full time. We'd love to learn how to renovate and work on the property but are thinking it will end up being done by someone we'll have to hire. Do most investors renovate themselves or hire contractors? If doing hiring contractors, what's a reliable way to make sure you get someone competent?

Also, we are trying to figure out how to make sure the renovations make sense from an investment perspective. I've watched numerous YouTube videos, have read articles, etc. but when it comes to designing a space or knowing colors/materials it's definitely a weak point. How do we make sure that what we are doing isn't just something we like but will make sense to tenants down the road?

Thanks in advance!