Because slim margins exist all across the spectrum, the fix/flip, wholesale model must await brighter (or is that blighted) days to flourish. 

So, now we have had 2 years to get back on our feet and ready for some brighter days ahead!!!!!!  

Certainly address the mechanicals, you will need to comply with HUD guidelines for health and safety and after that, it is up to you. the following basic materials are for you to consider when completing your renovation, while considering the future implications of tenant turn-over:*FlooringNO CarpetTile wet areas if this in your budget or simply install a resilient Rubberized Vinyl Floor plank systemGeneral areas - either refinish hardwood if existing or a new resilient tongue & groove laminate flooring*PaintStandardize the paint color throughout the entire interior, do not get fancy with painting different rooms different color, just more of a headache to deal with at each tenant turnover*ElectricalUpdated electrical schedule, new outlets and switches you want everything to be nice and bright, you want the wow factor no matter the area or rents, you want everything to be clean and look appealingNew Lighting schedule - consider using LED - it is brighter (better presentation) - more energy efficient and should be a smaller maintenance burned over time.

On a brighter note, I have spent the last 12-15 months reading and learning as much as I can while finishing school.

Not yet but looks like that's the road we're heading towards but I'm still have a little faith that one day I'll find that fork in the road that will lead to brighter days! 

Make it a bit more cheerful and make the apartment pictures brighter.

I'm hoping with the support of all the people on BP, we, and everyone else, are on our way to a brighter future.  

The newbies fall in line behind a leader that carries that groups flashlight and leads them deep into the forest.

Bring a flashlight to your walk through, look under sinks and behind washer/dryers, and fridges.  

On the brighter sided... you wanted to remodel anyways!