I'd love to take a look at what the layout, decor and amenities are.

That is slim to buy and decorate a STR.

I will be moving out there hopefully by end of dec or jan.

You might want to consider concrete or decorative "stepping-stone" type walkways.

I have already been in the unit since they moved in 5 days ago and it’s decorated nicely and very neat.

We just finished the rehab and decorated the rooms.

I will have the keys in my hands on April 1st, spend less than 8k and have it rented by the end of april for 1357month via Section 8.I think this is a good deal, but it took me 4 months to find it..Last place took 7 months at the sheriff sales, but they cash flow, need little work and I am in and out..Point is...Take your time..It isn't how many properties you own, but what and where you own them..You also want them to cash flow.I deal only with Section 8, because they direct deposite to my account..I am not in the business of chasing rent..I explain to them that I own the property, not them, and they WILL TREAT IT fairly..I prefer single mothers with children who are on disability..I never have to hear that they lost thier job, because they will never have one..I let them know I stop over once a month to check the heater(my excuse to check on them) and it works well..Another angle I have come up with is that I buy NICE places and make the people on Section 8 feel proud as to where they live, and it seems to pay off..My one tenant drives me nut, because she is always calling me asking to hang new fixtures on her sink, or the 4 foot by 6 foot stained glass picture above her fireplace, or the fancy $400 lite she bought for the hallway...I don't know how these people have such nice things, but no job..I don't ask..All I know is they treat me well, and I would rather her call me to be her interior decorator than to hear that she is trashing the place..

He and wife, both artists, are handy people (which remains to be seen) and wish to decorate, renovate the home - the current home is a 60s art deco style home and have not had a major upgrade (think pink and blue tiles in the bathroom).He does not want to risk my selling the home next year to someone else and the lease expires, nor me raising rent or wanting to rent to someone else.

There is commonly opportunity to do that through minor cosmetic and decor fixes.  

Thanks in advanceWe have gone with both Sherwin Williams (they have the contractor paints in the back) and Home Depot, flooring we have done Floor and décor for tile, We have found good pricing on flooring on some of the Lumber Liquidator items.You can also get the Home Depot pro desk to match or beat pricing if the order is large enough