I was then told there had been damage, and it would therefore not be refunded.I asked for evidence, and was sent photographs of a scratch and some scuffs to an elevator door surround, along with a note saying the area had 'just been painted'.I have no idea if these marks were there before.  

So taking a multi family and fixing it might appeal to them for a time.

I'll buy the furniture and pay her by the hour to go in and set up, then a photographer to take some really good photos. 

If you were the seller, would this look at all appealing or am I going to get laughed at?

Conversely, IMO, if they DO WORK, then the environment doesn't matter all that much.Yeah, I'm asserting that California issues, Class {b,c,d}, the street appeal, and your exit plan can all be factored into some $$ value that leads to a go-no-go decision on the REI. 

They had made changes outside immediately to personalize the house and  improve its curb appeal.

I did have bids from a few 3rd party companies for full management that were very appealing (5% fee which is great for a 32), but it hurt the returns enough that I wasn't going to be able to get my investors the returns I wanted. 

New bath, new kitchen, stainless steel, quartz, refinished floors, parking pad, can lights, LED, new blinds, some new windows, curb appeal, etc. 

For income property, the value is derived from what you can rent it for, not how appealing the property is or curb appeal.  

Remove all photographs.