My experience is: if you have a rental that you clearly are putting in the bare minimum to get it rented: cheap carpet, quick coat of paint, cheap light fixtures, repaint cabinets, etc, in these lower income, higher crime areas two things will happen.  

Ask the tenants if they would like a fresh coat of paint, if not, move on Good luck 

If you are in a bad neighborhood then you need to grow thicker skin to handle being a landlord in such a neighborhood.If this is loads of different guys/people then that is different than an individual.

Fully Renovated Turnkey Cash-Flow Investment PropertyRental property's income at least 1% of the purchase price.Continuous profit with little hassle.45 minute commute to the state most vibrant city Greenville and the state vibrant capital Columbia South Carolina.Nordson Industrial Coating Systems (ICS) is establishing their newest manufacturing facility with an investment of $30 million.

The holes in the boards were there to hold the plaster (because they did not have spackle yet and still had to plaster), just like the wood lathe would. you can repair the cracks just like you would in drywall, i would recommend cleaning out all loose plaster, using a mesh tape and for the first coat some 45 minute easy sand, this product will dry fast and ready for you to put another coat of it or spackle on it, but you may want to solve why you got the cracks in the first place before repairing, usually something needs re supporting. the wire mesh you talk of in the corners can be cut with a sawzall or you can use a drywall hammer and chop it out at the corner ( if your aim is good ) this can be removed and easily patched then with the drywall, just make sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when doing so.

I was thinking of having a coat of primer put on first too.

May need multiple coats and you will go through more paint.I would hire a professional and learn from them on the 1st one.

Instead, invest in areas with a higher ROI, like backyard amenities, game rooms, and standout design.Most of our clients refresh these spaces with a new coat of cabinet paint, updated flooring, and small changes that make a big impact.

@John Herold Usually, it'll be using Kool Seal to re-coat the roof.

There will always be something.Not trying to sugar coat it.