You need to read your local jurisdiction's regulations.If you're doing basic stuff like painting, flooring, cabinets, trim, etc. then you don't need a permit.If you get caught doing work without a permit, you can be in for a whole heck of a lot of expense in terms of fines and they can shut down the "job site".

Initially, I painted, cut grass, ran around a lot for material...But, It's all worth it...I sold my first turn key in 2015..That $35,000 at one time, sent shock waves...It's been a progression....Now I'm looking to purchase my first retail flip along with self building our next home...Every deal brings more Confidence and my Faith keeps pushing me.  

Even if you don't plan to sell, having only one profitable exit strategy is a bad idea IMO ... stuff happens, things go wrong, priorities change, and you could paint yourself into a corner if there is only one exit ... and even if they don't, buying below retail market will help both Plan A and Plan B.

Cabinet doors do not need to be discounted in my opinion based on them being functional indefinably with new paint.

If a home has been refinished/remodeled so that floors gleam, paint is beautiful, etc. a non-staged home can look very inviting but even then it would probably be at least partially staged.

These units need some paint, some carpet cleaning, and the top boards of their decks replaced.  

Hi Nick, and thank you for your response.I am actually investing in the Beaumont, Tx area.It’s a good area, and rentals usually generate $1,000.00 - $1,200.00 monthly.The property is in good shape.From what I see all it needs is paint and new carpeting.

Cosmetic could mean a coat of paint or it could mean everything's there but beat all to hell - cabinets old and tore up, holes in doors, etc. 

What is everyone's thought about the cost/benefit of a garage paint job?

Light to moderate smoke damage to walls/ceilings can many times be sealed over and painted, but of course it all depends on the extent of it and the amount of time and condition of the environment since the fire.