I take note of any issues with the home along with pictures (since I may forget and visuals help). 

This is more visual than anything.

Anyone have some ideas or visual examples for how to make a cabin with plastered walls look more rustic? 

I do not have a floor plan handy, but I think with that it is fairly easy to visualize. 

This will do two things - It lets them capture the dream visually. 

From Melanie:It's easier to visualize these trends by looking at the Cromford Report's latest post of their Cromford Market Index, their proprietary index with a measurement of 90-100 indicating a balanced market.This is Cromford's text with the chart above:"Between November 15 and December 11, the CMI was below 90, but during the last three weeks it has shown strong signs of recovery and is almost back over 100 again.

These little touches can make a big difference in the eyes of potential buyers.Depersonalize the space: Remove any personal items from the home to make it easier for potential buyers to visualize themselves living there.

@Alecia LovelessAs a self-managing handyman with a small portfolio, I don't hard-wire smoke and CO detectors if I don't have to in a rental property, and not because of the cost.I use changing batteries during daylight savings time as an easy excuse for coming in and running two visual inspections of my portfolio.

The roof is visual too and you can tell if a roof needs replaced or not.Plumbing and electrical are hidden (unless you tear open the walls) but even if both need fully replaced, which is highly unlikely, you're only looking at $10k or so depending on the size of the house.

The renovation and new development stuff is sexy and visual, but the next 5 years spent operating the rental is more important.