But, I think that would only happen after a long hard-fought battle. 

Definitely neutral paint with co-ordinating mouldings - white or off white, crown moulding really changes a property so go for crown moulding in the great room if you can unless it would clash with the style of the property - for example if you are going for a modern, minimalist aesthetic you don't want moulding to contrast you want the neutral tones to be uniform across the whole space.Class Cs: the same as above applies but tone down the price tag: choose neutrals, don't waste money on up market appliances just instal new clean lookalikes - buyers in this market want the property turnkey so they don't have to renovate as long as the kitchens and bathrooms are modern and attractive they will be satisfied but you do want to choose your aspirational feature - as many as you can afford within your budget .If you fix everything that's broken, you paint and replace outdated bathrooms and kitchens and your exterior is attractive and clean you have won half the battle.

I investigated getting out of the deal claiming force majeure, but this could have lead to a legal battle I wasn't interested in heading down based on my speculation of dropping home prices in Lakewood, CO.

,Of course, no one is expected to charge below market rents.My point was that if you have a reliably-paying tenant and choose to raise their rent to a level you know they cannot afford, you're going to have vacancy soon and the expense which goes along it ("there goes your profit").Most of my earliest mentors always said, "Choose your battles carefully."

And see how that goes.This is one of those choose-your-battles situations, I think.

@Brandon Battle, I have the same situation and i am closing next week to move in one of my 3 units.

I don't say this to be dismissive or negative, I'm suggesting you pick another battle for now. 

One little he took advantage of me and you’re in for an epic court battle

Don’t come to my market and try to compete with me when I have advantages, it’ll be an uphill battle and you’ll get adversely selected against because you don’t know the market.

I have battled with inspectors, code enforcement, and utilities companies.