If everything is negative, then I tell them I am also an agent who also "finds great deals for investors."  

Minimal changes to effect common entrances, no major shifts in load bearing, easy plumbing changes for wherever the new kitchen would be... it's a lot of boxes to check. 

Being the military, it had that definite institutional overtone to it, but the basic premise was the same.I recently toured a new senior's complex in which on end - for those who were still relatively self sufficient - had individual units (bedroom, sitting room / kitchenette ... effectively a bachelor apartment but without a full kitchen) clustered together in groups of 4 with their own common room / kitchen and courtyard.On the other side of the complex were units for those who required more assisted living.  

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

Quote from @Will Greenlee: I would agree with @Drew Sygit every software has its kinks and this one along with all the other ones started somewhere.. 7-8 years ago Buildium was less effective than it is today, and now it is a lot better.

It's hard to guess how soon regulations will become effective.

Also, how do you balance cost-effectiveness with providing a high-end feel?

Part of the reason why the rehab was cost effective was because I have a long relationship with contractors, have experience, and I also give this contractor a lot of business.

But effective?  

A degree is a negative.