How nice to make low-income rentals look?

[Larry T.]

How far do you go and what is the minimum you do to make them look nice and welcoming without spending unnecessarily?

Also, I always seem to find ones with fake wood paneling, in this market is it worth having them sanded primed and painted by someone? (I cannot do it myself) They are not bad just dark and kind of depressing but that's my perspective, not sure if the tenants care or not or if I should worry about it even if they would like the walls a light color.

[Jon Holdman]

Try looking at other rentals in your area. At the least drive by and peek in the windows of empty "for rent" properties. If you can, play tenant for a day and have a look at some. If you get out and about on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, you might be able to get a look inside without causing someone to have to make an effort to show them to you.

You could also try looking at open houses and for sale properties in the same area. If you're looks as good as those, you've probably gone too far.

You just want to be the best rental deal in your area.