My post was a broad brush hypothetical based on a question about the merit of using CC 0% offers.

We live in a new world order now. my very first job was selling Fuller Brush door to door :)  and I bought 2 Teslas last few years ONLINE.. would never step into a dealership again.. 5 mouse clicks and its done.. no up selling no sitting there for hours..  

That doesn't look like popcorn, it looks more like a textured finishing that's made with drywall finishing compound ("mud") and a brush.

Whenever I hear information about property management, the answer is quickly brushed off with some kind of non-insight like “you need good property management” rather than actually digging into actionable steps.

Also, in the commercial world, $1MM isn't a big deal, so if you are asking for less, expect to kinda be brushed off or put on the back burner, especially if getting loans for SFH (I've experienced this frequently trying to leverage commercial lending for SFH).

I put brushed nickel hardware on chocolate stained cabinets and changed a laminate top for granite ($35psf) and was happy with the tenants I attracted.

Other wise, painting a 1 story could be done in a weekend with a friend,  $300 for brushes, tape, plastic,  and $1200 or so for 30 - 35gallons of paint ( $40 / gallon should be excellent quality ) for 2000 sq feet. 

Any articles or risks you know that would help me brush up on the basics?

When I first started in my career I used to brush off these advances and say that's part of the job but now I have learned that my safety, wellbeing, and mental wellness far exceeds the financial returns of any of these potential deals. 

I can get some broad brush data from City Data.