I like to go in and just paint, add new appliances, maybe knock down some walls, change the flooring, and boom.

Other renovations included new roof, appliances, AC, flooring, lighting, paint, conversion of 100 amp glass fuse panel to 200 amp thermal CBs and the elimination of gas lines. 

So, I would be lending her money to finish the basement, putting some carpet, and doing some interior painting (about 15k so I'd make about 7,500). 

Well I believe the home will appraise at around 350,000 once I paint it and my loan is 240,000..

, interior paint, appliances, landscape, chimney sweep and roof, with some brick work.

However, if it's something simple with just a kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and paint then you could easily use a "handyman" type contractor.

I paid cash from my savings and have budgeted about $25,000 for repairs (new kitchen and bathrooms, new Hvac, and paint and landscaping).

I've purchased two co-op in Honolulu and was responsible from the paint onwards.  

They won't know all the interior looks or paint or anything. 

I almost at a point where I don't even bother with home inspectors.Some other common issues with older houses, particularly if you will be renting:  lead paint, asbestos, mold (although I find older houses are leaky enough that, as long as the roof drains well, air movement through the building is good and prevents moisture buildup), steep staircases, narrow hallways.But you MUST MUST MUST do a walk-through with an experienced contractor (one who specifically has experience renovating older houses/buildings) prior to placing an offer.