Mostly a little paint and maybe flooring and fixing some small issues.

Apartments are identical other than upgraded appliances, re-grouted bathrooms, and kitchen backsplash (along with much nicer paint colors).

I actually had a listing in Laguna Beach that was a completed flip with everything done inside and out, down to the studs, with exterior painting and landscaping, listed in the high $800K's. 

I managed a 120 unit complex, all turns were done in 24 hours,Painting, carpet cleaning, turn cleaning, locks, we had a well managed crew and averaged 5 to 12 (during usually June) turns a month.  

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.