Or they say "the place just needs touch up paint"  or "the carpet just needs cleaning" when in fact the whole place needs painting or the carpet needs to be replaced.

Everything is in good shape so my current plan is interior paint, refinish hardwood floors and clean up the yard.

I agree with you about contractors and trying to align yourself with one who understand your process.In the meantime I will follow your lead and go spend some time at Home Depot "window shopping" in order to at least familiarize myself with some general prices on flooring, paint, appliances, lighting, fixtures, etc.

(the 4plex) I know some paint, carpets and appliances could drive up rent. 

I just don't see it as rising to the high level criminal activity that they painted in the webinar.

While I lived there I replaced the flooring throughout the house, I painted the garage floor, had a sprinkler system, sod, and a concrete patio put into the backyard.

You can view a few photos here.It is located near 88th and Wadsworth in the Kings Mill neighborhood2 story/ 5 Bedroom/ 3 BathMaster suite "loft" 500 square feetmain floor/ 900basement/ 900some good things:Roof is five years oldnew windows on the top floornew water heaterno signs of foundation settling home is overall maintained and well kept "just very dated"The expensive things:paint trim outside of houseHVAC is working  but is super oldNeeds painting throughout, with a room or two of wallpaper removalneeds wood floors installed on main levelcarpet in upstairs and basementnew appliances/fixtures/countertops in kitchencomplete remodel all 3 bathrooms entire basement is wood paneling drop ceilings in basement "possible other option?"

Purchased price:  $111,000.00  (1 bed condo)I spent another $3k on stainless steel appliances, fresh paint and backsplash. 

Just look at this sexy paint job.

Since our purchase the market has started to level out but noticeable increase in the value of our property nevertheless. 1 month of sweat equity and a fresh paint job, the place looks pristine.