We hired Bildwise for a renovation of our 1965 single-family home that included complete electrical rewiring and updating, roof replacement, light kitchen and bathroom remodeling, new flooring, new interior paint, and masonry repair.

We plan on brightening it up with a lighter paint and upgrading the kitchenette area.

The things that I've wasted the MOST time on are:-Drywall-Roofing-Painting. 

I would also leave the cabinets and counters as they are unless is a higher rent area, then you could go with quartz countertops and paint the cabinets to maximize your rent.

Dry wall finishes with the right paint to hold up with the humidify of a bathroom 

If there is time and money available that is the opportunity to make a choice, but that usually involves INCREMENTAL upgrades like painting a room or replacing the flooring in a room or 2. 

Are you looking for a full studs deep remodel, lipstick, or the carpets and paint?

MY paint cost is $1-$1.5 per sq foot.  

The Brrr principle seems to be hindered (at least that’s what I witnessed buying my first house where chipping paint was even an issue).any thoughts are appreciated

Doors , windows , kitchen , and baths plus holes in the walls , entire paint job , holding costs all for $40K .