I think that's why BRRRR is appealing. 

Neither would we want to spend our money on something aesthetic at this point.

Would potentially look into a duplex, or a SFH that would appeal to Airbnb or short term rental (basement space or above garage apt).

Pay attention to curb appeal also.

On my first wholesale deal, I did what you mentioned, and I spent a small amount $2K fixing the house up to make it more appealing.

I guess I was thinking that perhaps they were being pressured to liquidate the estate and that a fast cash offer would be appealing rather than drag out and wait for five houses to be sold separately.  

The idea of home ownership appeals to me, and I'm also eager to invest in real estate on the side. 

Here's an example of a recent valuation in BK Heights:The townhouse is 6,000sqft and has 8 units in total.If kept as is, there will be 8 1br apartments of 650sqft each $3,350 x8 x12 = 321k is the annual incomeNow if renovation costs allow, seller could convert it into 6 big 2br apartments that would collect a much higher rent:$5,000 x6 x12 = 360k would be the newer annual incomeThere's a high demand for 2br in the area, so he could fill the vacancies quickly and sell at a considerably higher NOI.Also, an appealing configuration is legalizing the basement, keep it as a rental unit and convert the remaining space into a single unit.

in addition, here in Central Florida, there are ton's of STR communities in the area that all have private pools and amenities that appeal to vacationers.  

He will have until the 6th day to appeal and if he is knowledgeable of the system he will file a Pauper's affidavit for the appeal.