It's best to do this before you sand and refinish, so the remaining holes fill in with the finish coat. 

My plan is just to have the wood floors re-finished, install high-quality new carpet, and have everything super clean, rather than update the entire house with really high-end style.If anyone has experience selling in this price range and has advice/thoughts, I would love to hear them.

And option would be to lower the basement while you're at it and then refinish the basement to add sqft'age. 

Purchase price: $195,000 Cash invested: $32,000 Sale price: $349,900 Whole Home cosmetic renovation, systems, paint, flooring, counter tops and cabinet refinishing.

Refinishing the tub and bathroom tiles tomorrow, paint is next.

One of the things i'm most concerned about with being a REI is when I will need a contractor to help me with rehad, refinishes, etc.

I'd assume pet deposits may be limited in some ways depending on state laws but I'd think a deposit that would cover a thorough cleaning (if the tenants move out and leave the place looking and smelling like a barn) and refinishing/fixing the floors and baseboards if applicable should be a good standard. 3.

Porch, storm doors, carpet ripped up, hardwood floors refinished, baseboards, paint, landscaping and appliances (apparently the ex took them with her.) 

Cleaned, refinished, and upgraded bathroom.

Pics show the hardwoods prob need to be stripped and refinished.