Additionally some of the costs such as updating the electrical panel and trimming trees can be included in the cost under site preparation expenses.My question is how to what extent is site preparation allowed to be included?

You may want to regrout the tile for a clean fresh white, which will make the pink and black pop. similar to the pop you get from white semigloss trim/baseboards. 

Some stuff was better, some stuff was worse.Better: old-growth wood floors and wood stud and floor joists/roof supports, double-brick cladding, expensive trim and molding, tall ceilings, solid wood interior doorsWorse: foundations; virtually all systems (plumbing, electrical, mechanical); insulation; lathe & plaster (this is a subjective opinion); windowsMy personal preference these days are houses from about 1955-1970.

If you want more cash flow, trim down the number of units and stay afloat with 100% equity on all the properties with highest appreciation rate.

(floor, trim, paint, fixtures).

A light renovation requires less specificity than a new construction build, and you'll have to gauge that accordingly, but you should err on the side of being more specific rather than less.Lastly, regarding materials purchases, you should NEVER let a contractor choose, purchase or pay for any finish materials or important elements like appliances, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, counters, cabinets, trim, doors, windows, or even things like paint and stain or varnish.

I personally wave pet deposits and make it abundantly clear that if your furry baby rips my trim apart or scratches my cabinet that I will be keeping all or most of your security deposit. the reality is, not allowing pets will just lead people to “get a dog” a few months after the lease started.

Aloha,We manage properties where the Tenant is required, per specific terms in the Rental Agreement, to maintain the specified area of the yard at least twice per month, to include grass cutting and trimming low shrubs to ensure they do not touch the house.

I'll be sure to do a check-in list and any scratching damage on walls or wood trim.

I would try to reach agreement on the tree trimming access as you have tried with the landlord.