Anything that appears to be a health or safety hazard on a potential property needs to be repaired BEFORE  it qualifies for financing.2, sellers usually are willing to make/pay for minor repairs such as chipped/peeling paint, cracked windows, exposed wood or things of that nature.

I've been trying to beautify the space, add a bathroom, flooring and paint.  

Perhaps you could offer some labor in return for the privilege of watching the process (demo, painting, landscaping, etc.).

I always paint or white wash depending on the color.  

We have experience in everything from framing, trim, paint and even have done a good amount of custom cabinetry work, can't think of anything we haven't done.

Condition of home is also good, maybe $2000 for new windows and fresh paint. 

I've inspected all 15, and 11 had tenants that have lived there 8 years or longer, 4 since the 90's. 1 is vacant ( they turn quick at that price, but I'm going to experiment with raising rent with hud when I close the deal on that one), 1 was disgusting, and 1 guy painted the house like an African jungle.

It usually looks like one single large apartment complex composed of 4 -unit buildings that is gated, shares parking, common areas, and sometimes has a pool.Here is an example.http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2833-E-le-Marche-Ave_Phoenix_AZ_85032_M22535-23255Notice that the HOA fees are $7740/year, or $645/month.

I made a contractor very upset by not accepting his bid and am trying to figure out if I broke some important etiquette rules of dealing with contractors.The story is this: I got two estimates from painting contractors for exterior painting of a large house. 

Skills needed are drywall repair, painting, and possibly some landscaping.