Cleaned up the landscaping a bit, painted, I put new shingles on my shed out back which I got for cheap at habitat for humanity. 

I don't know about special programs for that, but many cities have a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

if not, learn. work for habitat for humanity so you can create "sweat equity."

I built a couple of homes with habitat for humanity and they build them the exact same way you did. 

If you still feel inclined to do so, I also have a long list of tasks for my home :>) But for sure, you can do planing, line up contractors and materials list, etc.You can have a tenant occupying the property and do repairs and renovations as long they are allowing that to you - you can't impede on their use and enjoyment of the habitat.

Many landlords who do their own painting like to use a Paint Stick:http://www.homedepot.com/p/HomeRight-PaintStick-5-Piece-Paint-Applicator-Kit-C800778/202760134I tried it once and it did make the painting go faster but the clean up was a pain (to me) and I gave it away.I also used to paint using "oopsie paint" (the stuff you buy cheap at the local Habitat for Humanity stores) or mix my own by tossing a bunch of paint into a five gallon container. 

For example, Habitat for Humanity gives the families a no money down principal only loan for 20 years.

There are places like used appliance stores and Habitat for Humanity that have very cheap appliances.With all that said, I am serving a fairly low income demographic.

I know in Michigan the state pays a couple families in my area to leave their land vacant to allow for animal habitat and growth. 

the notice says unfit for human habitat.