some ideas: New counter-tops, paint or replace cabinets, new flooring, etc.  

 These are the known cosmetic updates that are needed: Flooring Pressure washing Fridge oven & dishwashers Paint rooms and outside banister Fan blade missing and fan needed in other room and 4 fans outsideHardware for master bath miscellaneous Yeah I was  originally advise that I should be able to get 1100 in rent but after further research it's looking like I would be lucky to get 1000. 

The more brick on the exterior is usually better even if you have to paint it.  

@Clay Sellers I agree with most of it, however, I think it paints some areas with too broad of a brush stroke.

Folks, can anyone share contacts who can do painting cheap and well?

Hi Daniel, I would ask if they have completed a reserve study, when the last time was that they passed a special assessment and what it was for, if they have any upcoming capital improvement projects coming up, when the roofs were replaced, when the last time they painted (because if not in the past 8-10 years you may have a lot of leaks).  

The house will need a few things before selling: outside painted, carpet in 3 bedrooms upstairs, and some other minor things.

The home needs a lot of work, including lead paint removal, some asbestos removal (don't know of the extent yet but I'm planning for the worst), new roof, new siding, rewiring, and an interior gut and reno (kitchens, bathrooms, etc).

Depending on the type of loan (conventional versus FHA), they have very specific requirements for the condition of the property - from the age of the roof to the condition of the paint. 

Painting over all that old woodwork was a joyful day!