The appraisers only want to know how many bedrooms, bathrooms, fireplaces, and if there is a finished basement.

There is also a fireplace, which has not been used since the house was built.

I will have the keys in my hands on April 1st, spend less than 8k and have it rented by the end of april for 1357month via Section 8.I think this is a good deal, but it took me 4 months to find it..Last place took 7 months at the sheriff sales, but they cash flow, need little work and I am in and out..Point is...Take your time..It isn't how many properties you own, but what and where you own them..You also want them to cash flow.I deal only with Section 8, because they direct deposite to my account..I am not in the business of chasing rent..I explain to them that I own the property, not them, and they WILL TREAT IT fairly..I prefer single mothers with children who are on disability..I never have to hear that they lost thier job, because they will never have one..I let them know I stop over once a month to check the heater(my excuse to check on them) and it works well..Another angle I have come up with is that I buy NICE places and make the people on Section 8 feel proud as to where they live, and it seems to pay off..My one tenant drives me nut, because she is always calling me asking to hang new fixtures on her sink, or the 4 foot by 6 foot stained glass picture above her fireplace, or the fancy $400 lite she bought for the hallway...I don't know how these people have such nice things, but no job..I don't ask..All I know is they treat me well, and I would rather her call me to be her interior decorator than to hear that she is trashing the place..

fireplace I'll have to sweep? 

They will get all excited about re-tiling the fireplace and be willing to make upgrades that suit them.

As an out of state investor, be ready for scare tactics to try to upsell you on larger projects, and ongoing expensive maintenance to keep them going (fixing hottubs, fireplaces, etc.) 

Water leak behind the wall that surrounds fireplace.

Fireplaces, doorways, transitions, stairs, etc.Garage door openers, door hinges and knobs, replacing a ceiling fan (or upgrading from a basic light) are also all good candidates.

I have been very surprised by how much our SC lake house is rented in the "off season"People come to:Relax by the fireplace with a view of the lake, girl or guy weekends, visiting family in the area, visiting their kids at Clemson, Holiday getaway with family, fish, get away from the brutal cold up north or the heat in Florida or just get away.

I was able to redo a fireplace in very fancy tile for under $5.