I've always found it refreshing to come across a forum of friendly and supportive individuals.  

It is refreshing to hear that, I also thought this could be the best strategy for making my current area cash flow. 

Will only need (before inspection results) about $1,500 to "refresh"  the property. 

If you put in higher-quality floors, say, under carpet, and do high-quality tile throughout, you would have a durable product that might only require a low-dollar refresh when it comes time to sell.In any case, sounds exciting and I'd love to know what you decide!

Even when it hasn't worked, for me, dealing with the owner directly (at least to start) has actually been pretty refreshing.  

If you're going for a long term rental (I say more than 5 years) you're likely going to have to replace most things anyway, so why spend extra for the tenant when you'll have to refresh everything anyway for the sale.If I were only planning a 1 to 3 year rental, I'd consider "flip" finishes

The common areas are tidied, swept and refreshed, to show what kind of LL I will be.

You don't come to them until AFTER you have the asset, which is fully renovated and sparkling, and you get the place appraised.

We know that we have a sparkling great home that will attract great renters, and mostly, we are super proud of it.

I called the agent and told her the 'inspector' needed a refresher in basic geometry.