You'd be surprised how cheap and easy fresh paint, new flooring and countertops, and a few improved fixtures cost, and how much they increase the value of your property.Also, I personally love the duplex strategy, so much so that some of my clients recently designed a coffee mug for me that says "SFRs are nice, but have you considered a duplex?"

Small kitchen needs caninets and countertops and then a few cosmetic things.  

This should be a desirable area with little vacancy based on what I am seeing, but yes, there is always that risk that the units dont rent as easily as the current home owner has lead me to believeon repairs/capx- 3 of the 4 units have recently been updated with new kitchens, carpet, cabinets, and counter tops in 2 of 4. new roof on 1 of the 3 buildings.

We just finished two major renovations that needed painting, tile, drywall repair, plumbing repair, kitchen cabinets, and countertops.

Look at houses for sale in the area and see if the remodeled houses have high end counter tops, kitchens, bathrooms etc.  

I have some offers out for apartments that need some cosmetic updating (tile flooring updates, kitchen/bathroom countertop updates, and some handiwork - replacing doors and closet doors, etc.).

My favorite method is to give them a sketch that has all of the work noted (i.e. replace kitchen counter top with labrador silver flake granite, under mount deep sink with Kohler Gooseneck K-72218-CP or approved equal, etc.).

What kind of counter tops are those?

Great job of keeping existing kitchen cabinets with the new backsplash, counter top, appliances...looks great!

GFCI outlets ($150)Washer and Dryer not working ($400)Safety glass in bathrooms (free - I can do this)Replace toilet ($400)Fix hot water supply to shower ($500-1000)Water heater is original ($500)Windows seals as windows are foggy-replace windows (suggested but not required)Upper unit needs new flooring and countertops likely.