For example, the layout of one kitchen might lend itself to adding a dishwasher easily.

I would definitely tailor the worksheet for your own calculations; for example, I added a "capex" percentage to the sheet as part of  expenses I want to account for.

Additionally, you’ll need to account for "depreciation recapture"—the depreciation deductions claimed during the rental period must be taxed.For example, consider a property purchased for $310,000, rented for six years, and then converted into a primary residence for two years before being sold for $510,000.

what’s an example of buying real estate for cash flow without using any of your own money? 

If you owe 550k in that example, then you would potentially have access to the 200k up a 750k loan on a  1 mm dollar property.

Worthwhile keeping a  few fresh fruits  lying around?

For example - say you're a limited experience owner/operator buying a 30-unit deal in downtown Seattle (a Freddie Mac SBL "Top Market").

By way of example, I picked up an oceanfront condo in March for $640K, minimal work needed to be done, only changes for my aesthetic/brand purposes and here they come turn key so only updated what I really needed to (which also gives you an opportunity to cost segregate).  

A big trick is to do cosmetic updates to max out the rents, for example most deals I sell we raise rents a good 30-100% after paint, new counters, new flooring, paint/replace cabinets.

An example of this would be mixing your personal money and LLC money in the same bank account.3.