Pouring a concrete patio or installing pavers makes the ideal surface so the tenant can put out some seating, etc.

But I also know that I need to eventually put some skin in the game and can’t wait forever.

My main goal is to just get some skin in the game by the end of 2022 and purchase my first property.

But it seems like to me you have it backwards…it is usually the buyer who puts up the down payment… that is your “skin in the game”.  

Scope of work, ie: surface should be totally smooth, paint quality?

That way they have skin in to pay their rent, I get long-term cap gain rate if they buy and I can exchange if I want to.  

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

South Side Carpet Cleaning does a good job.I almost always just replace with hard surface flooring though.

If you are just talking about non-structural surface cracking that looks like hell, I would either just epoxy the whole thing or you can float a concrete resurfacing over it.

$550 for a new opener is a little pricey on the surface but not silly high and we have non idea what else was done, if he serviced the door, new keypad, remotes etc....3K for a garage door seems about 2.5 - 3x high at least for us locally.