And look at google maps for a quick idea - if it’s black and blotchy... might need a re-roof or at least a seal coat.

They already have a base of investors that will look at your offering, and the seal of approval from them gives you a decent shot of attracting money.  

If you want all that stuff John said signed, sealed, and delivered go pay 100% on the MLS.

The good news and the bad news is that your fate as a landlord is largely sealed on the day you close escrow ... and that has to do with the quality of the property and neighborhood you choose, the short and long term trajectory of rents relative to expenses, as well as the price you pay relative to the sold comps and the rehab costs needed.

You have a better chance of becoming a Navy SEAL. 

The mattress is directly on the floor pressed against the wall, and there is no pipe or bathroom in that wall...we had all the basement walls sealed, and new sheetrock put up, and laid new concrete  footings all around the house to keep water away. 

We were going to replace the wax seal later in the day.Upon our return we discovered the small bathroom had flooded.

The increase in comfort in the home provided by good insulation and air sealing is totally worth it.

Once foundation is exposed,  we will:add a concrete sealing solution to enclose all open poresCover foundation with membrane as an extra moisture barrier install a French drain. 

Additional items off the SOW included sealing up the doors between bedrooms (giving them a single entrance), lay down new flooring throughout (12mm laminate), install a ½ bath, repair cracked areas of the sidewalk, brick pointing, repair and refinish the staircase, side the exterior, support and repair the front deck, and paint the interior, among a number of other items on the 4-page rehab SOW.