They were a blessing that saved the project and they continue to be what I think about to cheer myself up when I'm blue.My remodel investment was as follows:Property: purchase price + interest, taxes, escrow, whatever = $25,910Other Carrying costs: water = $241Demo & Hauling: $580 (Craigslist Find)Water Main and Hookup: $1,890Septic and Leech field: $4,250Concrete, Framing & Roof: $17,406DIY Exterior Paint: $470Plumbing: $5,953DIY Solar System & Batteries: $14,181Electric Wiring & Lighting: $880 (Husband is an electrician)Mini-split Heat Pump $2,000Insulation, Drywall, Primer: Plus "shiplap" style wall to cover fed up drywall - $4,489Floors: $3,327Interior Paint & Trim: $520Tile: $5,129Kitchen cabinets, shelves, countertop, sink, etc: $2,483Appliances: (range, hood, fridge, dishwasher, washer & dryer) $1,679Bathroom: (bath, shower, vanity, trim, etc) $1,448Fence and Patio Cover: $3,900"Landscaping": (gravel, shower, tiles, lights, etc) $1,048Furnishing: $1,518Housewares & Decorating: (many from my house as we were moving) $150It took over a year to finish since I ignored it the first 6 months and could only do the occasional weekends once I got started. 

They were a blessing that saved the project and they continue to be what I think about to cheer myself up when I'm blue.My remodel investment was as follows:Property: purchase price + interest, taxes, escrow, whatever = $25,910Other Carrying costs: water = $241Demo & Hauling: $580 (Craigslist Find)Water Main and Hookup: $1,890Septic and Leech field: $4,250Concrete, Framing & Roof: $17,406DIY Exterior Paint: $470Plumbing: $5,953DIY Solar System & Batteries: $14,181Electric Wiring & Lighting: $880 (Husband is an electrician)Mini-split Heat Pump $2,000Insulation, Drywall, Primer: Plus "shiplap" style wall to cover fed up drywall - $4,489Floors: $3,327Interior Paint & Trim: $520Tile: $5,129Kitchen cabinets, shelves, countertop, sink, etc: $2,483Appliances: (range, hood, fridge, dishwasher, washer & dryer) $1,679Bathroom: (bath, shower, vanity, trim, etc) $1,448Fence and Patio Cover: $3,900"Landscaping": (gravel, shower, tiles, lights, etc) $1,048Furnishing: $1,518Housewares & Decorating: (many from my house as we were moving) $150It took over a year to finish since I ignored it the first 6 months and could only do the occasional weekends once I got started. 

The upgrades included new hardwood floors, painted throughout, (previous owner had begun upgrades which included new doors, new bathroom sinks, decorative trim, mirrored closet doors).

Location, good photos, good interior decor, be a great host, keep it clean.

If you can find a decent property in Dec or Jan that is probably optimal.  

We updated the living room furniture and front porch decor which made a big difference.

have to remember to use it on BP to further confuse the US investor.. along with warning them about Spruikers  :)  Engelo Rumora  bought the cheapest home in AU so he saysI sure did mate - https://homes.nine.com.au/decor/i-doubled-my-money-on-australias-cheapest-house/6c8e2171-5d32-4639-8024-b1e556f82e56haha 

Added expenses at the outset would be furnishings, decor, household items, linens, etcMonthly expenses would include property management, housekeeping, landlord insurance, utilities, internet/cable, lawncare, etc.Any help or advice is appreciated!

He is not turned off by the 1980's decor inside and he is willing to let me update it as he occupies the building as I think most renters would be.

When I've been in this position in the past, I've marketed the home as a lease-purchase with an attractive Decorator Allowance (say $3-5K) that the resident will only get once they are qualified and ready to purchase the house, sometime down the road.Great tenants do want an attractive home, but they are often willing to overlook cosmetic concerns if they are given both the opportunity to purchase and the promise of a big check to make things pretty once they buy!