I'm hoping I can turn my love of real estate and interior decorating into a full-time business within the next five years.

Takes longer and costs more then normal, then you're trying to rent in Dec or Jan.

Is the tenant responsible for final renovations like kitchen needs, 50's decor, etc?

One very simple thing to make it look more modern/upscale is to take the tile all the way up the wall rather than stop partway up like a tub surround. white subway tiles are nice and will go with any decor.

Find a discounted supplier like Floor & Decor we have in Atlanta or check Craigslist for a salvage company that might have a deal on flooring.

We are currently interested in properties in Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City or Pearland, TX as we are familiar with these areas.Neither my husband nor myself have real estate experience other than my long-standing interest in real estate and obsession with interior decorating.

Many people at open houses are just looking for decorating ideas or being nosey neighbors.

Only stainless on the nicer homes or if the decor requires it.

I had been experimenting with different ink and some decorative stamps.

Habitat for humanity, staging / decorating : home-decorators outlet online 80% discount tier. http://www.homedecorators.com/Price_Cuts/5000%25/ High end furniture or specialty shops ask them to call you with damaged stock.