And like @Dan M. said, painting will come later - should be last thing actually.

You can build up goodwill sending grocery cards at Christmas, having a mini fridge to rush over the moment there is a problem, giving rent credits, etc. and it will mean LESS THAN ZERO as soon as you have a late fee you expect them to pay, a pet that you cannot approve, anytime the rent goes up, telling them they can't paint the walls and ceiling the color they want... then you are the scumbag landlord.

And for someone to get so much of the fruits of my labor seems like an injustice to myself. does that help paint the picture a bit better? 

Always, get the paint updated to a relevant color and then take first class photos.

THATS how you add the value, by repairing the defects, kicking out squatters, painting over spraypaint etc.

Interior and Exterior Upgrades; Modern Appliances, Tiling, paint, etc...What was the outcome?

. : $2,347-Paint, all new doors, plumbing fixtures, drywall work, garbage disposal, carpet, bathtub: $3,934-Labor: $7,976The previous owner did not do any updates to this unit for the last 25 years!

If you're committed to it, skip Youtube and go right to the class. ng

We did a light rehab which included paint, carpet, fixtures, turf in the backyard, and a new roof.

I point out that even if the building didn't need much work in the last 20 years,  many systems (roofs, water heaters, paint, windows,  and may other things) were clearly wearing out and may not last much longer and to avoid unpredictable expenses a proactive approach was necessary to start upgrading)I then followed up with individual conversations with residents which helped me to understand their finances a bit and hopefully understand their ability to pay and what assistance program(s) they may already be getting or be eligible for.