Finally, aesthetic improvements aside...you need a decent reserve to cover inevitable surprises that will, again inevitably, cost more than you think.

All in all I estimated the costs of repairs at $10-15k, which is an incredibly generous amount, but that would give me room for unforseen expindetures.3) A family member of mine has the same exact floor plan to the house (although the foreclosure is more aesthetically pleasing and has a nicer feel to the inside) She also lives across the street.

If everything is equal area, location, bedroom, bath, sqft then it comes down to layout and aesthetics. 

Most people think that this is only for aesthetics.

Creating a dynamic environment makes a home more attractive by helping buyers visualize its potential, and it can also be a good tool for camouflaging any shortcomings.But staging a home goes far beyond just aesthetics, there are real tangible business benefits.

Imagine your house with something like this, but flipped left-to-right:https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/2d/4e/60/2d4e60d29c1a5f0b5892645cf9c84239.jpg...or this:https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/da/00/d0/da00d0d00dee8edb10bb79ff0bb2cc59.jpg These concepts would probably cost LESS than a new driveway and garage door, and put the aesthetics (and $) where they will have 10x more impact and be the most memorable for a buyer, from first (and last) impression, to walking up to the front door.I can't see the existing entry door, so I'm curious if it's style-correct.

If it's just rentals I feel like you can use the rentals to get good at the aesthetic of tile but it's a lot of work.

WhAt are your thoughts on trade off on cost vs aesthetics?

This can be as simple as fully clearing a lot; but a good wildfire mitigation company could save you money by selectively thinning out the thicker brush and understory, and leaving a lesser but safer amount of foliage behind for aesthetics' sake.   

What I have found to be the most appealing to customers is a blend of aesthetics and amenities.