My investment strategy is this: Asset basedLong term debtUnderwrite for cash flowAppreciation is a cherry on topEmerging markets Continuing knowledge through education

Any other thoughts or suggestions as i work to educate myself on this potential area and type of rental?

I call a service for that.The biggest issue that holds people back is a low risk tolerance brought upon them by some paranoid delusion.If you educate yourself enough, you can wind up living your dreams rather than dreaming to live.

The education I received through the podcast was invaluable in giving me the knowledge and confidence to do the first deal.

The key is a good team or if your buying near you just make sure your offer contains a good inspection and due diligence period.

I would assume countertops&backsplash/bathroom could do the trick but it's only an educated guess I have no experience with this.

This was a low purchase value house( 30k), so I am not really freaking out over the 10 years of depreciation being added to or subtracted from my cost basis. ( I took a few years of accounting as part of my education).     

So I’d restore as much as I can and when needing to replace something, look for period accurate items to match the rest of the house.

The education I received through the podcast was invaluable in giving me the knowledge and confidence to do the first deal. 

My expertise is buy and hold, but I do a lot of REI education as well.