The house is outdated, ugly wall paper, laminate butcher block kitchen counters, appliances are old but they do work, and needs a coat of fresh paint.

Two coats of primer and two coats of paint for doors, and they will look brand new.

I feel like its fairly simple--spray the ceiling w/ some water and scrape down the texture. then skim where you need to and paint it flatI ask bc I've gotten 4 quotes:-$500 to scrape and skim if needed-$400 to scrape and up to $300 to finish/skim-$1750 to scrape and skim 2 coates-$1375 to scrape and skim Such a huge gap. is there enough to mess up here that i'd need to pay over $700 for 865' of ceiling to scrape and skim?

yes, stained with a wax coat on top.  

Something will be buoyed, even if it is just the market for thicker mattresses or shovels :)  .

I myself live in a 100 year old home - and i am sure there is lead paint under 10 coats of paint somewhere.I would really love to hear about what these inspections are like.

As for occupancy it has had to have been empty at some point in time, so that would feel to me like he's already sugar coating it.You can ask for copies of all the leases to see what they say about change of ownership and their rent.  

Use TSP on the walls and if the ceiling is textured spray 3-4 coats of primer over them and maybe some white ceiling paint if that won't cover it up.

A new coat of paint and new floors if necessary.

There is a back door with a coat closet but I know if it was my house it would really bug me that I didn't have a spot to throw coats/bags when I walk in.Is it worth finding a solution or should I just let the buyer "figure it out" and make the back entry/"mudroom" the main area?