My first impulse is to swap the carpet for high durability laminate.

No one who lives on a small city lot really wants to go to the mess and expense of getting rid of a problem tree, so if it's a maple or an oak, it just grows and grows and grows...Because the repair runs in the thousands (as you've seen) when the owner of an aging investment property learns that they have a compromised sewer line, there's a strong impulse to hide the defect and sell.

I've read his book, it's basic common sense, but most people have no impulse control and can't stand having $1 left over at the end of the month that isn't allocated to the next instant gratification consumer product.I'm trying to take a balanced approach to REI, use leverage in a sensible way and accumulate while having a comfortable cushion for bad times.  

Profitable 20%-40%)Additional SF at below market costChange layout for more beds/bathsChange layout for Practical ReasonsRaise Roof for additional LevelBUYER & RENTER APPEAL: ("Impulses" Sale and can be Profitable 0%-25%)Upgraded countertops & cabinetsUpgraded BathroomsUpgrade FlooringInterior Trim Upgrade (Crown, Chair, etc.)Fresh Paint & WallcoveringCURB APPEAL: (First Impression Makers but not much ROI)Upgrade LandscapeChange Exterior Colors / Paint BrickNew Entry Door / Door Surround TreatmentNew Entry LightingSurface Coat Concrete Flatwork / Asphalt

That said, I'm willing to wait and learn versus being impulsive. 

The deal is done/can't take it back/impulse buy:Sick of my poor returns on my investments/retirement accounts so I purchased a small condo.  

The formulas are tried and true They are used as a tool in educated decision making as opposed to emotional impulse.

I went to Home Depot went a little crazy and impulsed bought backsplash materials.... 

This one was basically an impulse buy....

So I used this:http://www.glidden.com/Color/Paint-Colors/Browns-B...And while I do think it is a good idea to use the same colors in all my units, I am occasionally impulsive and I did a kitchen with this color once, just because I liked it:http://www.glidden.com/Color/Paint-Colors/Greens/1...It's not as dark in the large, well-lit kitchen as it seems on my screen.