We plan to take out a wall and add an island to open the kitchen up, take the carpet out of the bathrooms (yes, really), replace most of the flooring, finish the 4th bedroom and the rest of the basement, and various other minor updates.

.- consider baking into the rest biweekly housekeeping, so that you know that the property is being kept up with (prevents pest issues), and you won't have to deal with any quarrels over who's cleaning the common areas more than who.- always have the parents co-sign the lease.- make a manual for them. what would your own kids be calling you about when they first move out on their own?

If it was a 12 month lease, I wouldn’t require a monthly cleaning but at 6 months, I would like to make it a requirement.  

I get to work with active investors to help them fund deals, I don't get phone calls at 2am to fix thing, I don't have to pick out paint or carpet colors, it's just easy.

Are the stairs carpeted? 

When I signed my tenants into a year long lease, we made an agreement (addendum on the lease) that they would pay for new carpet and kitchen flooring out of their pocket in exchange for a lower monthly rent.

Lots of room to add value since it has not been updated since the early 2000s (it still has carpet in the bathrooms...)

Cleaning out the property - the designated next-of-kin and executor will be responsible for removing and dispersing the deceased tenant’s belongings before the lease period is over.Unfortunately, it does look like this can be a long process and patience will be needed as you will be dealing with an estate. 

Updated the kitchen, repainted the house, and replaced the roof, as well as cleaning up the landscaping.What was the outcome?

Just pay your cleaning person and be done with it.