Thank you enjoy reading your post food for thought

My tenants are constantly asking for rides, small loans, money, food.

Food for thought: If one buys 50 books about real estate at say $15/book, you've then invested $750+ into your investing education, haven't you?

I'd also be more than happy to walk through your house and give you advice about how to cater to the current market so you can sell at the absolute best price.As a side note, I'd suggest to anyone in your position to sell.

However, that would mean living in the Richmond area (longer commute, some pretty sketchy neighborhoods, 1bdrm apt vs 3bdrm house...) and that is not including any other high cost of living expenses that come with living out there (ie. food, insurance, taxes...).

Just food for thought, not intending to be rude.Now for your ideas about the work you need to do: Kitchen - I assume you mean cabinets, counter tops and flooring...maybe appliances as well?

same is true for any new Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, or if there's an area that has recently seen a number of new fast food chains enter the marketplace. 

There are plenty of subsidized programs in Baltimore and landlords have found more success with some than others, I have seen postings in various meetup groups about these programs that cater to different types of tenants (aka military etc).

Just some interesting food for thought.

SFH's are a great investment and can cater towards a family type tenant.