There are def visual markers.  

Inspections prior to bid acceptance are visual inspections only.

As a realtor I recently gained access to some incredible software that shows local trends visually and its great for finding true value in opportunities.

I expect my managers to be on the property at least once a week, they don't have to make tenant contact each week; although more tenant contact is never a bad thing, but they do need to take a look at the property and visually confirm that everything is as it should be.I'm also very glad I was a horrible Property Manager when I started out. 

Hard to tell based on the distant picture but it looks pretty good to me "as is"Your mindset for a rental vs a flip or personal residence has to be different...... you want it decent, visually presentable and durable....but not so nice that you are wasting $$ or are going to be pissed when the tenant damages or destroys it...because they will.....not IF, but how bad.......I would not paint those cabinets....re-stain at best.

During the visual inspection, the risk assessor opened the closet door to the furnace area and I had to stop him.

Here is a good BP article that will help you visualize your end goal:https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/go-small-...

The commercial real estate investments that are often more lucrative than owning trophy buildings are less obvious and less visually attractive.Certain smaller private equity real estate firms have the ability to identify investment opportunities that aren’t necessarily “brochure quality”, but offer “attention demanding” performance.

Visual at nadeluxeinn.com. 

Also, I have done a lot of work to strengthen myself mentally (meditation, affirmation, visualization, etc) and I am much more positive and calm person.