I took an excel sheet I found online (from "Tactica") and tweaked it a bit to help track and compare different major cities/ different local cities by taking its population growth, labor stats, and rental stats/ multifamily stock to help someone visualize the different places and see where their next investment could be.

So why is this a deterrent?

This will provide a helpful visual so that it won't be as intimidating on your first purchase. 

The items need not be high-end; they can be sourced affordably without compromising visual appeal.

The visualization of the BP forum is always like this :Newbie investor almost has no clue about what they are asking.

Couple grand maybe, unless there was some huge unknown problem that couldn't have visually been identified walking through the property.

lol nice, definitely makes it easier to visualize your entire portfolio. 

Also, planting mint or peppermint around the foundation is a known deterrent to mice.  

Check out this data visualization I made showing migration by county, the rent/price (1% rule indicator) and population data.

I don't think old roofs would be a deterrent though to purchasing a home if the price is right.Once you have the system down and a big reserve the stresses go away.