I'm getting into a rehab with my partner and I want to be able to look at something and update it as we go to see the visual progress.

It's a great canvas to improve upon --I suggest the following to make it more modern & appealing without needing to invest a lot in the exterior or change the structure:Coat of paint to make it more modern I suggest keeping it simple with white tone exterior with black accents (on the railing, shutters, trim and sconces) https://people.hgtv.com/professionals/prairie/mode...Add shutters on both sides Update the sconces to something a little larger and more modern to add visual interest and take up some of the blank spaceAdd simple landscaping on either side to introduce greenery against the simple color scheme of the homeBest of luck with this!

A visual representation of my 'why'.

This is a great website to build a visual timeline... you can add pictures and future dates to meet your current plan.

Thank you everyone showing this visual.

As a User Experience Designer, my job is to make websites, apps, and products simple, visually appealing, and user-friendly.My goal is to buy my first rental property (duplex, triplex, or 4-plex) by August 2018.

Don't worry about the price you bought it for.I would suggest doing a little staging so people can visualize themselves in the house. 

Maybe even using one of  the theoretical examples below as I'm a visual learner...

ivyridgeestatescanby  dot you know what  we have pictures there and the same basic white and black its super popular in our area.Those are some nice homes Jay, I can easily visualize the families living in them and enjoying life. 

In case anyone is wondering what @Robert Ellis Columbus ZIP suggestions look like visually