For investor friendly contractors, check out Blake Johnson with Finishing Touches Remodeling in Fort Worth. 

This worked well at first, but I started noticing "ghost" charges for random repairs and services: $45 for a door knob replacement, $85 for wall repairs, $65 for a toilet leak, etc.

A remodel sounds to be like lower hanging fruit.

I bought a house here but I am still remodeling.

Hard wired smoke detectors are usually required in remodel too.One caution on adding egress windows is they can become water traps.

Something like pink and green striped sheds, ugly art like gold painted toilets.

It's in a well sought after neighborhood with good schools that I remodeled to appeal to modern tastes.

I'm not overly interested in purchasing properties and having to deal with tenants, broken toilets, etc. - my day job keeps me pretty busy.  

For example:General-Filters (furnace, air conditioning, oven exhaust, refrigerator, and water)-Stove burner when the “eye” needs simple replacement-Batteries and remotes that service the premises-Fan and light pull strings-Smoke and carbon alarms testing and batteries-Ensuring appliances are properly plugged in, hooked up, and used-Removing dirt, debris, and lint in and from connection pipes (e.g. clothes dryer)-Tighten loose screws on all home functions (e.g. doors, hinges, handles, socket -Balancing off-balance appliances-Cable, internet, and phone jacks-Fire extinguishers-Systems operation (e.g. security, irrigation, HVAC)HVAC-Monthly A/C filter and drain line maintenance Electrical-Reset “tripped” GFI breakers-Light bulbs (throughout and at the end of the tenancy)-Blown fuses-Reset breakers in the outside and inside breaker boxes-Socket and plug outlet coversPlumbing-Unclog drains or toilets-Caulking around tubs and showers as needed-Gas pilot lighting-Leaky faucets and shower heads-Toilet flappers, handles, seats and seat lids, tank lid, and flush kit-Sink and tub stoppers-If septic tank present, use RID-X as directed on consumer box-Proper cleaning of garbage disposal-Loose faucets and sprayer heads and hoses-Faucet filters (i.e. aerator)-Open exterior plumbing clean out when necessary (e.g. sewage backup)Exterior-Routine lawn (and pool) maintenance-Adjusting sprinkler heads as necessary-On the last month of tenancy, tenant must perform required lawn maintenance no sooner than 2 days prior to vacate dateThere’s a lot to consider as a landlord.

Remodeling is risky for many reasons, not the least of which is good contractors are very hard to find.