We had budgeted 10% for repairs/upgrades and probably spent this that first year. 

My first rental property is a single family 2br/1bath, rents for 1300/month no issues. The exterior is a little dated and there is a huge unfinished (dry) basement. Current appraisal is 155k and I have debt of 128k.
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View report*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.Thank you in advance for your thoughts on this potential purchase.  6 of 8 units have been upgraded and new roofs on each 4 plex in 2017.

So, you may need to consider some additional upgrades there.You have to consider the layout and number of inside units.

If you upgrade the exterior dramatically, the building may end up standing out and looking odd / not fitting in...

I'm an out of state landlord doing some upgrades in a SFR rental.

What are some little "inexpensive" add-on / upgrades can I do to the home help increase the rent while at the same time giving them the security that I am trying to make this place better for them?

You draw up the document that requires the tenant to reimburse you for the upgrade.

I did contact the agent I originally purchased with and am working unofficially with him to get quotes for kitchen upgrades before prepping the building for sale.

The sellers recently installed new forced air heat in all the units and the electrical service has been upgraded.