It's a cosmetic rehab and its looking like we need interior paint, carpet removal, laminate flooring (or refinishing hardwood), drywall repair, replacing or painting some doors, gutter work and pressure washing some brick.

Now I'm looking to get back into owning a few rentals and possibly doing a couple of flips (I am a RE agent + an interior designer).

The interior needs updating, but wouldn't need it even if the apartments turned over.I'm looking for suggestions:-Would I give her a rental escalator in the lease?

This is not uncommon; however, it can cause issues when trying to perform a significant remodel/adding units as mentioned.You would be permitted to duplex the 1st floor units into the basement, because that is an interior remodel of the space with no additional units being added.

The other issue I am finding is access to view interiors of occupied multi-families.

The house we live in is under slight interior renovation.

The price sounds reasonable for a big rehab but that’s assuming you are getting just about everything done, both interior and exterior.  

I personally let my wife help with interior design and showings. 

While working on this project, I discovered my passion and keen eye for interior design and am interested in connecting with investors + flippers who are looking for any kind of interior design services.

My brother would occasionally "round up" the mortgage payments back then, but it seems close to correct.Into it for:  ~26 or 27k with fees and minor rehab (including painting the interior, removing carpet, and sanding/staining the hardwood floors underneath)Rent:  $950/moMtg:  $338/mo (4.625%)Taxes: $81/moIns:  $40/moCashflow:  $490/moTo reiterate though, you're correct.