I know the law and do not operate my business based on other individuals that confuse moral with legal.  

You should be calculating Cap Ex for all long term items that will need replacement at some point - appliances, roofs, ac, water heater, etc.

I have investment properties here in Columbus, Ohio, which has seen significant growth, especially with tech giants like Intel, Meta, Amazon, and Google setting up operations, driving up property prices and job opportunities.

That's just my $.02 but I'm sure others have been operating differently with success.As for neighborhoods, West Side, South Buffalo, Kaisertown, decent sections of Black Rock and Riverside, pockets of North Buffalo, maybe some sections of Cheektowaga are going to fall into those categories.

I mostly operate in VA and NC holding long term rentals.

I guess I was thinking the cost would just be 10% regardless of property, but it sounds like you’re saying you actually have to save an even higher percentage if the property rents for less because the amount wouldn’t cover the appliances or other cap ex expenses.  

Focus on upgrading countertops, cabinets, and appliances.

We operate in a 40 mile radius from our house.

If by real estate business you’re implying you have little or no money to invest but are contemplating using one of the guru inspired methods (subject to, “wholesaling” , fix n flip) to create cash flow, I’d encourage you to do research on the true success/failure rate of people who engage in these endeavors, the amount of money the successful operators spend monthly on marketing, and the real time commitment and knowledge and experience necessary for success.  

We also do a few other things on move-in day.... we put drop cloth runners down in the traffic areas, loan the tenants the use of moving blankets, furniture sliders, an appliance dolly, and shoe covers.