With some staging and paint, we were able to sell our previous personal residence at a small profit, and use the profit to leverage 3 more properties: 2 as investments, and one as our (downsized) personal residence at the time.

Outside got fresh paint, all new windows, soffits and gutters.

Which makes me nervous about unseen issues like asbestos, lead paint, etc etc.I plan on asking the seller for all of the closing costs - I'm not comfortable with the amount of cash I'd have left over if I have to pay them.I haven't seen the property in person yet so it's hard to say for sure, but from the pictures it looks to be in good condition other than needing some cosmetic work (paint) on the outside.Do I need to have 15k sitting around just in case?

New kitchen cabinets and counters at Home Depot, new vinyl plank floors, new 3 piece bathroom kit, new tiles, new vanity, new paint. 

I've got a 2000 SQFT single-family in Thornton coming vacant unexpectedly in mid-December, and it's going to need paint/carpet throughout the interior.

Its all the hidden stuff behind the paint that your NOT seeing that will cost a small fortune if you don't know what your looking at.

It really only needs lots of cleaning and fresh paint.  

https://whotv.com/2018/03/23/dallas-county-again-f...I do think we (those that are investing in DSM) need to be careful to not 'drink the cool aid' but at the same time - the original link you provided does not paint the picture that I'm used to hearing/seeing. 

Totally updated on the main floor with dark bamboo flooring and white trim. 4 bedrooms upstairs, with new paint throughout.

Paint and carpet with minor rehab.