So my suggestion if starting with a flip is to find one that needs simple things… paint, flooring, appliances, landscaping, and such.  

Not sure if you found anyone, but would love to connect with you regarding your investment portfolio here in the Garden State!

What you have described is a garden variety land contract with a two year balloon.

As for the Media scare, I saw one news article touting a $100k special assesment on a HOA and when I pulled up the building the average cost of fire sale condos are $3M TO $5M and part of the special assesment was to cover new unneeded landscaping. 

Landscaping, lighting, overall appearance can impact the "first impression" of future tenants. - Are their ways to add other income streams to the building such as: washer dryers, parking, storage units, etc... - Also, spend some time before/after to drive by comparable properties in the neighborhood to understand your competition and the rents they are asking. 

Change the air filters, make sure sprinklers are set and watering, landscaping done, check on cracks and leaks, visually inspect roof, also checking for pets, and how many people living there. 

Lockbox installationKey duplication, meeting locksmiths, digital lock code changesMeeting cleaners, landscapers, tradespeopleProperty walk-throughs via phone and/or video conferencing Move-in and move-out inspectionsPlacing signage on propertiesPhotos and videosProperty description copy writingScheduling contractors and tradespeople for vacant propertiesStatus reports on contractor/tradespeople progressProperty drive byMail pickupDocument delivery

I'm also a big fan of gardening.

That's what I'm telling myself at least...syndicating value-add garden style apartments here in NJ. 

Meanwhile you can do exterior, trim trees, remove shrubs, roofing first, then lawn and landscape so it has time to grow in, driveway if you need a new one last.