I am in the process of trying to sell a freshly redone townhouse.

This will help keep the system smelling fresh.

Ideally I sell the house, albeit at a loss, and start over fresh in my hometown.

As for adding value, just get the mechanicals in good working order & get it looking clean & fresh - paint & carpet or other flooring do most of the work.

In addition to the fees they increase rents on improved fresh properties so their share of the PM monthly goes up.If your tenant has been there 5 or 6 years (doesn't matter w/ sec 8 ) then your place is going to get ratty.

I think paint might add a bit, even if you're planning on painting already - because fresh drywall needs more paint compared to already painted drywall.

If they are left behind by a tenant (and are in good condition), I'll leave them up, but otherwise the windows are left uncovered for the exact reasons you've already stated.

Downsides are: they park on the quiet street uncovered.

Less for you to have to replace/repair but not something that is going to affect your rental rates.I don't think this will make you feel better because its so fresh, but it should help ease your mind on what kind of budget you should be looking forward to in the future.

I suggest you start a fresh thread in the general RE forum where you ask about investing in your area.