Big bear you can do about $60-90K year 3 bed 2 bath with cool modern furnishings and not grandma's couch.

What pulls higher rents is a combination of LocationBlock/City curb appeal and does it "feel" safeParking- double side or single side, easy parking around Convenience to transit, coffee shopsLivability  Quality space for multi roommates(3+) Storage for junk  Closet space " important" Modern feel of the bathroom and kitchen, does it "feel" new  Easy to move in?.."

I don't think location matters, provided CPA is a strong communicator, and has modern tools to make it easy to collaborate. 

complete modern renovations of both units with the mindset to use property as a cash flowing rental.

I'm curious what kind of modern thermostats there are.

I don't go crazy but the units have modern colors, a relatively updated kitchen and is very clean.  

Also, if these pictures aren't modern, would you mind sharing more recent picks as i am looking forward to see this tough nut broken?

Deploying a modern forums solution with search that works? 

Put it in a location that attracts a large number of tourists and renovate the inside (either modern or revamped 1970s) and I bet it does just fine.

It seems they appeal to different groups: large properties tend to have more on-site amenities and be more modern, while smaller tend to be more unique and be more centrally located.