I use the cheapest oil-based polyurethane I can get, Rust-oleum Park, and a three-inch white natural bristle paintbrush.

Wow, I would have been terrified to take on a house in this condition, but then I won't touch a paintbrush.

A 20 dollar paint brush and a steady hand will always look better than any other method.   

You should be able to throw a number at the wire and panel cost as well as the cost of the paint, brushes, misc tools. 

My ego says I am big time financier, but my modest success may have more to do with my ability with a hammer and a paint brush. 

Key Word.)Anyways, my first deal was through a yellow letter.An older gentleman called and wanted to sell his house for 65,000.After three weeks of negotiation I got him to sell me the property for 35,000Long story short, I sold it 3 days later for 53,000 without moving a paint brush :)

has she ever heard of a paint brush?

We could explore other options of neither of these are a good method, but I could provide value as I have some experience (especially on the 3rd R - renting) and can help with a paintbrush or something.

You can't provide any service to your SDIRA - so you can't swing a hammer, pick up a paintbrush, let a contractor use your power washer, or anything like that. 

But I'd say buy something close to you that needs a hammer and a paint brush.