Furthermore, understanding the resident characteristics allows me to measure the target market and modify my investment strategy accordingly.Inspection ChecklistSituations vary from one property to the next, but here is an on-site inspection checklist to get you started:Interior Units:Inspect vacant units, including one of each finish out type (Classic, Reno, etc.).Check all down units.Inspect one unit from each unit mix.Exteriors:Landscape:Look for overgrown bushes.Identify trees that need trimming (no branches hanging over the roof).Take pictures of the following:Curb appeal on all sides facing the street.Landscape around the office and amenities.Overgrown bushes or trees.Any dead landscape.Areas that may need sod or mulch.Assess drainage:Ensure water flows away from building foundations.Check slope, gutters, downspouts, surface drains, French drains, etc.Exterior Walls:Determine the existing material (wood, vinyl, Hardie, brick, stone).Assess the condition of the walls.Note if painting is required.Take pictures of each building, including building number, each elevation (clockwise), and any breezeways or niches.Windows:Evaluate the condition of existing windows.Consider whether solar screens should be installed.Roof:Identify the type of roof.Assess its condition and age.Parking Lot:Check for potholes.Assess the need for restriping.Note whether the parking lot is concrete or asphalt.Evaluate drainage issues.Walkway:Look for tripping hazards.Assess drainage issues.Foundation/Gutters:Inspect for cracks in the brick.Check for separation in corners from fascia and trim boards.Evaluate drainage and identify poor drainage areas.Amenities:Identify possible improvements.Consider adjustments or additions that can enhance amenities.Talk to the Staff:Maintenance: Inquire about the physical condition.Office: Discuss current residents, delinquency, and potential changes to add value.Assess whether rents are too high or too low.Confirm rents and what is included/not included.Confirm other sources of income and associated charges.Confirm occupancy, pre-release, and vacancy numbers.Note: Maintain professionalism and avoid insulting the owner or broker, regardless of the property's condition.Keep in mind that investing in real estate is like solving a puzzle—you need all the pieces to see the big picture.

that prompted the discussion.I see a trend on tiKtok where people decorate entire walls with trim, form, LED lights etc and we try to make it clear at move-in that all modifications require approval and the property has to be returned in essentially the same condition as originally provided to them

If you're investing in real estate, it's better to really study it then actually go deeper, not wider, and keep it trim.

One new tenant hired a pro-painter, so we were able to leave all the new drywall, baseboards, trim etc just primed.

I’ll still rely on step-up basis to transfer wealth, but I’m setting up the portfolio for the flexibility to be easily liquidated, or sold In tranches to efficiently trim.

I have my list and am trimming it down and gathering info as I do that.

Don't reinstall any carpet or trim until you get the issue fixed.

All of that is independent of one-off maintenance costs - for example, trimming my palms costs $100 a couple of times per year.

Notch trim around wall supports. 

For Paint - Especially for doors and trim since they they touched and hit the most - i recommend a durable very washable semi gloss paint.