My suggestion: buy a quality small MF that needs paint and carpet, even that is difficult enough if you are remote!

I am working on getting the exterior painted and one of the units will need a full remodel.

Typical cosmetic (lifestyle) upgrades we do are better/more LED lighting, dimmers, flooring, paint, trim, solid wood door slabs in place of the hollow core etc.

I know that they're not painting the full picture.

What is your go-to paint color and brand?

The 5% down loan allows them to go the conventional route and most are skipping home inspections and have agents who are unfamiliar with the issues they can run into with Knob and Tube wiring, lead paint and older windows/roofs. 

And it was supposed to be painted as of today and the handyman has not even started painting. 

That all paint's 1 very nice picture. 

The great part is very little siding, staining, painting. 

. $30K should be more than enough for fresh paint and flooring and some other odds and ends, but if you need dry wall, cabinets, countertops, mechanicals etc it could get much pricier.