It's impossible to paint each situation with a broad brush because it truly is case by case given the work that was done, inspector that is handling it, etc.

I tend to take my property off market "hold" during slow times for some painting, other small updates and would never consider it as occupied.  

I normally reply to posts but making a post :)Best bang for your buck I typically see when working with clients is exterior paint/siding and landscaping.

Most paint a pretty rosy picture of the outcomes.   

Then buy houses at about a 10% discount.Buy house 1 for 180k and put down 45k and use 10k for some minor refresh (paint, new appliances go a long way).Buy house 2 for 180k and put down your 45k (25%) and use another 10k for some minor refresh.Now you owe 360k in loans.

Scratch and dents that can be hidden either with paint or behind a cabinet.

(New roof, paint, etc) and proceeds even if we paid capital gains taxes could pay down other properties debt including adjustable HELOCS which would double our annual income but of course we would lose a door. 1 property is currently vacant and I anticipate at least $10k to refresh including new gutters.

The smell of fresh paint lol, to me nothing says this place is nice and fresh than that.

This includes small painting projects, deck refinishing, fence repairs, landscaping, etc.

I have given bids to people that literally hate me for no reason and are just waiting for me to mess up or steal their money because they’ve been ripped off.