I'll do tighter lipstick deals, but they still need $100k+ spread.

Quality level, permits pulled, was it lipstick on a pig, etc?  

We also are seeing most projects be complete guts though, and most projects are not just lipstick on a pig so to speak.

If you take the time to flip a property, I would stage it 100% of the time as long as it was a full flip and not a lipstick job.

In full disclosure, some properties are occupied with less than tidy homeowners, horrible tenants or just are so rough it doesn't make sense to put "lipstick on a pig." 

But back to viewing/showing properties, I keep my "lipstick" taser w/ me, always clear the house first (on the outside, then on the inside), take a friend if possible, and always let others know where I'll be & at what time.

So far from the ones I've found, the only way that it gets close to penciling out is if the rehab is lipstick work.

So cost of a new double bowl stainless steel sink is about 150.00 faucet 75.00 fittings 30..New 10 ft slab of formica with the granite type look is $112.00 for the slab.so for 367.00 estimated you got beautiful new counter top and faucet..I agree refinishing for bathtubs but not so much for countertops.. if they are that outdated the likely hood of bad faucets,and crappy P-traps that need to be replaced are deferred maintenance issues and should be updated not lipsticked over. 

Thankfully brought along a good friend and mentor who could point out why the renovations on this property were "lipstick on a pig," which brings me to my question:What are your favorite resources to learn about construction, maintenance, inspection, etc.?

We provided him with 3 options.1: Clean up and sell as is for 5k  -We could get a buyer for $149,0002: Lipstick for 15k- I think we could do the bare minimum like the Rent Ready quote you received and sell for $175,000 3: Full update 35k- like what I suggested in the video sale price $225,000 I would have to get a contractor over there and I would expect the project to take around 3-4 months.