If it is a room or 2 I do it myself with usually a 2 inch cut in brush and a roller. 

time to brush up on the tax and financing differences!

You are applying a broad brush to all rentals - you haven't a clue as to the areas that I'm in.

Banks are paying from a fraction of 1% to maybe 1% or more on a CD, you can offer a much higher return.Secondly, you need to brush up on capital gains tax code so that you can accurately inform the seller of the tax consequences. 

I spent a few hours each week In the forums brushing off the dust and the podcasts inspired me to get back in!

I have never been to Ohio but I don't think the entire state or any city can be painted with a broad investment brush.

Need to brush up on my reading and research.

At the most what you have to do is allow the tenant to pay out of their own pocket to modify your home with the understanding that they must return it to its original condition upon termination.California in general and Los Angeles in particular are very tenant friendly, so you may want to brush up on your local laws.  

She was super patient with us and understood our real estate investing goals instead of brushing it off like many do when you tell them you are buying an investment property and not a forever home. 

All of these activities were performed by my girlfriend & myself with a bit of past experience, and TON of YouTube videos, and a 6-piece Dewalt Power-tool starter set (and a few other tools).We were able to perform tasks like repainting the apartment, adding a back-splash in the kitchen, and some outside work like small landscaping, removal of brush/overgrown areas, and a pergola for ourselves and tenants to enjoy.