Other easy-to-install niceties are 1# kitchen range hood that vents to the outside (a lot of places just have microwaves the vent back into the room), #2 recessed lighting with dimmers instead of a single boob light, #3 replacing old beat-up trim boards with new trim boards.

Quad cities is where we had aquired a property that when i did my inspection I noted it had lead all over the place, lead windows, lead this n that, and i told the tenant that we needed to address things but they'd be ok for the moment "as long as your kids aren't like, licking the windows or chewing on the trim".

I skip thousands per month and I'm trying to trim costs a bit while still getting great data. 

Also the thing you will run into if you restore a property that has been deteriorating for a while is alot of the lead paint got into the dirt around the house and the trim on the window so that needs to be replaced too. 

Then, some guy will come along with a weed-eater and trim around the state sign (and mine).

We also trimmed several trees that were affecting not only "our" house but also a neighbor's as well.

By the way I found this property while riding my bike in my neighborhood and striking up a conversation with a guy who was trimming the very out of control trees in front of the property for the owner..

Not sure on contractors in your area, but I could get them installed really cheap in NC, like $ 30-40 bucks a window if it is a simple replacement (no extra framing or trim work needed).

I have purchased these type of homes cheap and know how to repair them and what it costs.I had one home that needed new blinds, doors, trim, carpet and more from chewing.There is my rant........NO DOGS!

I wrote this a few weeks ago and have got about 5 or so of the things done, kida fun knocking stuff off your 2015 list before it even starts.  2015 goalsHave $5000 in rental account emergency fund - don't spent rental cashflow Have $10,000 in emergency fund - emergency fund is top priority - all extra income goes to these funds till met Save $10,000 toward next REI purchase - save all income Refinance brick house (cash out) - outdoor windows sealed - siding on shed - railing on steps - trim widows - tile work in bathroom.- doors hung - gutters and facia Build living area in basement - stud walls - electrical - plumbing - insulate - drywall - paint - carpet Redo outside of brick house?