Trendy: In most cases, a modern, clean look with neutral color schemes (like white or gray cabinetry) tends to have the broadest appeal.

My cashflow (right now) is neutral (I plan to refinance down when rates drop), and my initial plan was for appreciation to grow my net worth.

Good call on getting the PM on board.If this is not in line and continues to be a neutral cash flow asset, then it may warrant a look at selling and moving even if those numbers don't paint a good picture as you say.

The requirement to enter into buyer-broker agreements I view as neutral.

I am going to declare that it is no longer a sellers market and that it is a neutral real estate market now.

One was cash-neutral. 

Back to your point, I don't think Austin is about as neutral as can be.  

Even if you have one of these types of issues every 4 -5 years it neutralizes the higher return you see on paper in comparison to B and A class.

They often have them and some are really nice neutral colours.for appliances, look at ones on sale where they might have a scratch or small dent on one side-if that faces a cabinet and is hidden, no one is going to notice.Can you paint the cabinets? 

I know you can't go see the house in-person, but you do need a neutral party go and look at the house and report back to you.