The property looks cosmetically in bad shape, carpet stained, horrible smell (cat/dog pee), smudges in walls, beat up cabinets with damaged hardware, jagged laminate countertops, stinky & dirty bathrooms.

It smells like bengay actually, which is a heck of a lot better than what it previously smelled like, but a day later the brown stains reappeared in the same places.

For sealing the drywall, I used Kilz2 latex sealant/Multi-surface stain blocker.

Go to Home Depot, rent their sander, buy some sandpaper, and stain the floor yourself.

I don't know about "cool"  :)  but I think your best options are: 1, Re-carpet the existing stair treads.2, Stain or paint the existing stair treads.3, Replace the existing treads with another solid wood (to be stained or painted).If you opt for #3, you might consider hiring it out.  

@Jon Gorham Student housing can be a great investment just make sure that you use really durable materials (high traffic carpets, stain resistant paint etc) to help the house stand up to the potential beating it will take from the tenants and remove things that break easily or increase your liability (IE ceiling fans).

Also you do have to seal granite or it can stain very easily.

While it's not an official inspection, my manager will definitely tell me, Clean but cluttered, or, already stains on the carpet, took pictures and talked with them about it, or maybe just report back when their handyman finishes a job, He said the place looked great while he was out there.   

I know this is a serious topic but my spirit just feels a little stained.  

Epoxy grout never needs sealing, won't stain, and is bulletproof.