Of the 20 I choose to meet with 5 or so that I feel give me the best vibe from the emails.

I managed a 120 unit complex, all turns were done in 24 hours,Painting, carpet cleaning, turn cleaning, locks, we had a well managed crew and averaged 5 to 12 (during usually June) turns a month.  

Or they say "the place just needs touch up paint"  or "the carpet just needs cleaning" when in fact the whole place needs painting or the carpet needs to be replaced.

Everything is in good shape so my current plan is interior paint, refinish hardwood floors and clean up the yard.

I agree with you about contractors and trying to align yourself with one who understand your process.In the meantime I will follow your lead and go spend some time at Home Depot "window shopping" in order to at least familiarize myself with some general prices on flooring, paint, appliances, lighting, fixtures, etc.

(the 4plex) I know some paint, carpets and appliances could drive up rent. 

Choose a business structureWhen starting a business, an owner must decide what type of entity it will be.

I just don't see it as rising to the high level criminal activity that they painted in the webinar.

. - will refer to an account as self-directed if you choose your own financial product investments rather than working with a financial advisor.A truly self-directed IRA will be held by a specialty institution such as @Carl Fischer 's CamaPlan, Kingdom Trust, IRA Services Trust, etc. 

Remember that you always have option to choose between actual expenses, but with prices of gas still low and mileage deduction still high @ $0.535 / mile mileage deduction will likely be more beneficial to you.