The things that I've wasted the MOST time on are:-Drywall-Roofing-Painting. 

I would also leave the cabinets and counters as they are unless is a higher rent area, then you could go with quartz countertops and paint the cabinets to maximize your rent.

If there is time and money available that is the opportunity to make a choice, but that usually involves INCREMENTAL upgrades like painting a room or replacing the flooring in a room or 2. 

Dry wall finishes with the right paint to hold up with the humidify of a bathroom 

Are you looking for a full studs deep remodel, lipstick, or the carpets and paint?

The Brrr principle seems to be hindered (at least that’s what I witnessed buying my first house where chipping paint was even an issue).any thoughts are appreciated

Doors , windows , kitchen , and baths plus holes in the walls , entire paint job , holding costs all for $40K . 

My goal in my post was to hopefully educate a reader or two, that if you ask for budget v actuals, you may get just that, which, as you note, may not paint nearly as poor a picture as what the intent of the question may have been.  

It needs two sets of new stairs, new doors and paint throughout so i was hoping 15k would cover it.

I added extended driveway, RV parking, back yard landscaping w/ covered patio, shiplap on two interior walls, and painted accent walls in every room.