A few string lights and some comfortable patio furniture can go a long way.

Very often it's because of a temporary hardship such as unemployment, divorce, illness etc.Most sane people don't want to get foreclosed on as long as they see the light at the end of the tunnel (aka hope).

We watch the auctions weekly and snag up items for 5-20$ for kitchen cabinets, vanity’s, faucets, lighting and etc. we store everything in our warehouse. 

Street lights, pot hole maintenance, water quality, sewers and hospitals... are vital to safety and the value of your real estate.

I’m torn between selling it and finding an apartment/whole building in Tokyo or doing some light renovations and testing the rental market with the older house.

For 20k in rehab you should have a new ac and furnace, hot water heater, updated plumbing, a new sink in the kitchen and bathroom, laminate flooring in the kitchen, new tile work in the bathroom, refinished floors, new ceiling fans, some light exterior work and some misc etc.

Just purchased a 3/2 for a light fix n flip and considering adding a 4th small bedroom/office in the laundry room.

You could even ask them to do a limited scope appraisal where they generate a light appraisal without a site visit and usually for about half the price. 

If the kids want to sell after I kick, fine, but hopefully they will see the light.

Cost was about 3K for framing/door/lights, etc...