While there are some limits here (you don't need a pasta maker), asking about having a plunger in each bathroom closet is insane.

Keep in mind local zoning laws and market conditions in Portland versus Salem—Portland might offer higher rents but stricter regulations, while Salem could provide better cash flow opportunities.Your design approach has proven successful, so continue focusing on appealing upgrades like kitchens and bathrooms, but prioritize cost-effective and durable materials for rentals.

In the event my landlord is interested in selling, I was wondering if I could add value in the short term by, say, converting part of the garage and/or covered porch into a bathroom and maybe a bedroom (currently 3 bed 1 bath).

Doing a short term rental in a separated area that has its own designated, kitchenette and bathroom, would likely give you better returns and less headache.

With some of my clients, I've seen discounts of 30% to 90%.Here is a real-life example: I invested in a $50K note; it was second TD but with significant equity (over $200K) protecting my investment.

What the city housing clerk is telling me is that there was a water leak from behind the sink pedestal on the second floor bathroom that has been running for a week. 

I've already renovated one of the bathrooms, and I’m planning to paint the interior, update the kitchen cabinets, possibly sand the wood floors, build a fence is a corner lot and increase the rent for the room since my tenant is currently renting the entire 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house for $800 a month.

The 4 guests smoked marijuana in the house (strong smell), broke a window blind and a picture, put a hole in the bathroom wall, chipped an end table and worst of all vomited on the couch and front porch.

Let’s say the discounted purchase price is $200,000 but it could easily appraise for $280,000 with the $10,000 of repairs.

I would look at the value of the rentals before you make a decision to see if that makes sense for you.Regarding the furnishings, if you have to pay more for them (again here in FL, properties are generally listed fully furnished and you don't really get a discount to tell people to take the crap out - in fact, I had one guy refuse a good offer because one of my conditions was for them to take their crap!