he brought the appraisal up by around 40,000 dollars but was still a bit light compared to equal comps. 

Whether I talk to them or not, I document with a written warning and give them X days to clean up and pass another inspection.

Save the money, clean it till it shines, maybe basic improvements like a few new light fixtures or at least matching/bright lightbulbs, maybe a few new faucets, some paint touch ups and sell.If you’re hiring a Realtor®, they can tell you pricing in current condition versus pricing with a few minor changes.

Others may have had a good experience but we would have been better off lighting our money on fire to heat out our home.

I never pull permits for;  swapping AC, swaping fixtures (lights/fans/faucets), flooring, paint. 

Experts are divided, but what do you think—are there warning signs suggesting caution for potential buyers and investors?

Similarly for the master bathroom, I want to only replace the existing vanity with a new one, keeping the current light yellow tiles.

On Student rental side of things I would STRONGLY warn you against that UNLESS you can show you really know your stuff in this specific St Cloud market for specifically student rentals.

I'm going to put this on a list of leading indicators/warning signs to keep an eye on.

Though the public couldn’t get close, several news outlets shared footage, with drone shots and fireworks lighting up the scene.