Look for lipstick deals, paint, paper, clean up, landscape, and curb appeal to keep costs down.Get with a contractor who can carry rehabs to closing, materials+labor+profits, use thier money.

With regards to rents, keep in mind that it's not so much how nice your place is as it is the curb appeal of all the neighbors.

If the federal government REALLY wants to curb illegal immigration they will start getting serious about border security.

@ J Scot is dead on on how he rehabs & probably why he is quickly able to unload, therefor lowering his holding costs (figure $100 a day a property sits in a flip).Only thing I would add is CURB APPEAL, CURB APPEAL, CURB APPEAL.

What are some other cost effective cosmetic upgrades to add some curb appeal to this ugly duckling.

The realtor holds an open house every weekend, and responds effectively to all inquiries.House B needs new paint, looks boring from the curb, has a hole in the fence, and isn't staged at all.

Regarding the exterior: the right color choices will give a drab dated brick the curb appeal that will attract attention to your property.

So, while I'm going to curb my hyper sensitivity and passive aggressive nature for the sake of a public forum that I do respect, will you please try not to come across as snarky? 

I am not going to suggest kicking your daughters to the curb, however I will suggest that you charge them market rate rent.

High grass, trash everywhere, toilets and mattresses left on the curb or even worse my property.