But on the other hand, if I put 5% down, I'd be able to do a lot more sweeping renovations to the property right away. 

I am not you so when a sweeping statement is made about numbers I ask rather than make things up in my mind.Just because the numbers appear to make sense does not mean that the project will turn out that way.

I charged 50.00 to 125.00 to clean a stove.. bathtub 30 to 45, fridge 35 to 45, floors per room sweep and wash 15.00  per window and tracks 15.00 light bulbs replace 3.00 each. blinds 15.00 to 35.00 each to replace.

Has anyone here utilized a sweep account to pay down their mortgage quicker?

My five year old has helped sweep a unit before a showing.

http://m.news4jax.com/news/eureka-gardens-concerns-lead-to-inspection-sweep/35615660

You may even find a rehabber/flipper to do some work for off craigslist (sweep floors, paint, sand drywall, etc) - any luck if you work hard they may mentor you. 

The tenant in charge also sweeps sidewalks around here as inspectors come around issuing summons for dirty sidewalks.With SFR rentals, I don't have most these headaches.

(via 1031 exchange)An investor friend of mine opened me up to the idea that I could either hold it for 3-4K a year, or sell it and make 15 years of cash flow in one fell sweep.

I generally don't like to make sweeping statements, but I'd say that gross rents to purchase price are generally in the .7-.85 range across Phoenix Metro, so less than the 1% "Rule".