Taking a look from the outside I need need paint or siding.

Can anyone recommend a handy man to do some drywall repair and basically prep the walls for paint (ill be painting myself).The exact city is Gardena, CA if that matters.Thanks!

Some are painted, some are not.

Saying "I am looking to get a feel for rents in this area because I am interested in moving here, and i don't want to get ripped off" is a good way to disarm people.  

I've had sellers tell me just paint and carpet and I get there and I think the place needs to be torn down.Figure out what YOU want it to look like after rehab and how much that will cost you.  

You could put in new floors and paint and make a little money to have some money down for a real flip that needs more cash. 

I did the repairs to qualify for the loan before the VA appraisal/inspection (hot water heater, drywall fixes, chipping exterior paint etc.)

Just wanted to make sure I was not getting ripped off! 

I'll paint oil-based Kilz on any exposed char or smoke damage post demo, add new HVAC and plumbing, do a complete rewire, install 3.5 new baths (only 1.5 are new; others will be re-dos) and a new kitchen. 

It's an old house and most likely has lead paint.