I would emphasize about your skills (if any) and bring that up.Read up on some creative financing techniques and come prepared to present them in the best positive light.I would say, dress conservatively as you go around looking at properties.

For a rental, the property would need some updates, I figured no more than 5k (clean the carpet if doesn't need replacing, paint throughout the house, paint the kitchen cabinets (hideous diarrhea-green color).

You might find a good qualified prospect that just can't get past the color.

Also, paint the walls a darker neutral color, it will not show as much wear and tear and will be easy to touch up when the tenants move out.

People demonstrating pride of ownership towards their home by dressing their house during the holidays or simply spending time doing yard work.

Foreclosures are also very high in these areas, so your comps get strongly colored, if not defined, by REO sales, so it's hard to get an appraisal that will support your targeted exit price.

Contrast the wall color.

IE paint colors, roof (if needed) etc .. thankshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/photos/show/183671https://bp-v-newproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/user_photo/image/183671/photo.jpg

Every rental has the same paint color, carpet, countertops, doors, and etc.

You should paint with a color the same or lighter than the original aluminum.