Improving apartments

[David Glick]

Hi, I recently (around a year ago) bought a 7-unit brick apartment building. There are six 1 bedroom units and a 2 bedroom, 700-800sf. So pretty small.
I have turned 5 of the 7 in the first year, and finally have tenants who pay their bills each month (mostly).

They have ok carpet in them, black and white vinyl in the kitchen, painted white or off-white.

I would like to do some things to spruce them up a bit so that I either keep the current tenants or rent them at a higher rate next time. But I'm not sure what to do. I am going to add Clearwire internet ($36/month for the whole building). I am wondering if it will pay to power wash the brick on the outside, or paint the inside something other than white/off-white. Or paint the door frames something other than white (the doors are a nice burgundy red). For the apartment I'm turning now, I am thinking about replacing the painted-over switchplates with nice ceramic switchplates.

Anyway, I am looking for any ideas to "transform" the space so I can raise rent and/or get better tenants.

thanks for any advice!
dave