I'm currently going through Pace Morby's book and video companion guide from the Bigger Pockets Store.

This can be cap ex to the building's common elements or cosmetic like a new lobby that you as a landlord may not view as a worthwhile investment but the owner occupants may.

Does anyone have any excel/spreadsheet templates they use for organization and having a place where you store that budgeting and timeline information?

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

By sourcing directly from trusted factory partners, Griffin Modern saved significantly on key elements like the Pivot door, floating staircase, glass handrail, and casement windows—items that normally cost 30% more when purchased at retail.

Need a place to store it and this place looks awesome!! 

Also, I have heard success stories of folks finding good contractors at the home improvement stores early in the AM.

I'm a civil engineer, and for example, I do the civil engineering/permitting for many Gas-Station & Convenience Store.

The first neighborhood I would look at is anything next to infrastructure - if it has grocery stores, malls, gas stations.

If so, make sure to visit/know of the grocery stores, restaurants, things to do, etc around the area even if just driving by.