Modern paint, appliances, and lighting.

Side 1 is recently updated with appliances, LVP, and led lighting.

The house was completely over grown, needed exterior paint, lots of clean up, light kitchen remodel, light bathroom remodel, etc. mostly cosmetic work.

Light kitchen and bath remodel, paint, improved functionality.

The house was already a STR, but I spent ~$10k for light refurnishing, touch up painting and deep cleaning to make the listing more attractive.

Or maybe even just focus on properties with a very light rehab?

The truth is majority of light rehabs in Chicago are done without permits so you will be bidding against people on the property who aren't pulling permits and have a very different total rehab cost.

They started giving orders - can we ask the color of paint to be white if you are going to paint and even asked me to include it in the contract. 

Many fourplexes also need light cosmetic remodels which might make these be a perfect fit if you're up to the challenge.

Light rehabs with lower holding periods can work at higher all-in %'s since your exposure to risk (via timeline) is reduced and your holding costs are reduced on quicker flips where conversely, you may need more room for a full gut to the studs rehab as your timeline of holding period will be much larger (as well as your risk factors).