And if it needs painted, shouldn't it be painted irrespective of this guy? 

It is clean and safe, but not overly nice, and there is a major eyesore property next door to this one.It has new siding, new paint and new floors and does not appear to have super aged water heater/ac/roof but I intend to have a home inspection to verify the big stuff.

I told him I am not looking for the cost of the door handlers or the cleaning, I am looking for kitchen and bath counter tops, painting, flooring..items in the 1000's.  

What I am seeing is a lot more rehabs that are just carpet and paint and flippers leaving in old windows, heating systems which are on their last life. 

@Colin Simpson Doing a live-in flip was not something I was comfortable with because I can do basic things like painting, connecting some PVC pipes, etc. but not any real contractor work.  

I'm purchasing a house for $29K that needs a little cosmetic work (painting and a new kitchen subfloor) prior to renting.  

Paint.

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.  

I have started renovations (minimal needed, basically paint) and plan to make the property my primary residence and rent the property at fair market value after my hold period expires (2018).

I had painted living room prior after a leak and she actually asked my painter-without my permission-to paint hallway also.