I edge the sidewalks and driveway, weed eat, trim hedges, mulch where appropriate.Hired lawn care never does as good a job as myself and it costs me just a little time.

Any place pulling a grand plus in rent to me seems it should look pretty decent, even if it's out dated the material and trim should fit well, carpet stretched and areas around stairs should fit well.

They are close to net zero energy homes and are being built as energy efficient as possible without driving the cost too high.I think the cost really depends on the type of construction and all the smaller finishes that go into the house (windows, doors, flooring, trim, appliances, fixtures, cabinets,etc.)

I don't... except for the occasional trim...If you had a daughter and the ability to decide to do what she wanted you wouldn't either...

I've also found that those round metal downspout leaf guards work well for this too.3) Trim any trees/branches that are touching the house/roof.

You want people to call you when something breaks; tenants who are going to be clean and respectful; people who are going to plant flowers and trim lawn; people who are going to think if it as a home and not a rental.

White trim, black shutters.. door in either black or red- rails and columns all in white.. steps in concrete paint..

In Utah I have 2 large garages that came with some land I bought and over the last 10 years I have managed to fill them with cabinetry, appliances, lumber, trim, fixtures and staging furniture.

I would suggest completely bidding out every phase of the project with multiple subcontractors for each aspect of the project: surveying, excavating, spetic (if applicable), well (if applicable), foundation, framing, doors and windows, hvac, plumbing, electric, windows, insulation, drywall, siding, masonry, roofing, roof drainage, flooring, cabinetry, trim, appliancees, flatwork, etc. and make sure that the subs give you their quotes in writing and that their quotes are responsive to the scopes of work that you have defined for each of them. 

It does not take much to give off odor.I had a unit that had a wet dog smell, I did a complete remodel and still had the odor I found a big hair ball under the fridge.Paint the subfloor with KilzCaulk trim (hair can get between wall and baseboard)Vacuum registers and cold air return ducts and change filterOpen windows for a few days can helpPaint or wash all surfacesIf unit has been vacant drain traps may be empty allowing sewer gas backup