Is it normal/okay to contact or knock on the doors of those properties to take a look on the inside to compare/contrast the differences between the comps and your prospective property (e.g. one has newer countertops, was built 10 years more recently, is more structurally and cosmetically superior, etc.)? 

It fits my criteria - single family, in good condition, newer build, desirable neighborhood, could do with some updating/cosmetic work which I can handle, and there is expandability in that the basement is partially-finished and could double the useable space. 

My risk tolerance is medium to low and I am looking for properties that may need some cosmetic rehab but not too much.Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. 

Try to prepared for anything that can happen.I was and wasn’t properly prepared for that brain aneurism and stroke that stroke that happened when I was 54 just two days before preventing surgery thanks to me taking a MRI and saw that problem but before that happened,I was told by my regular Doctor my condition was perfect.  

Don’t try to reinvent the wheel bro , this isn’t rocket surgery

I did minimal cosmetic work to the interior and had the exterior painted.

A townhome that needs cosmetic touch up has been on market for a while now and wondering maybe I will be the last one to place an offer.

Keep in mind this is JUST for labor (no materials), and the property is dirty but just needs a relatively simple cosmetic rehab.

Cured deferred maintenance (overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, tilted mailboxes), cosmetic work including interior and exterior paint, rebuild of patio fencing, striping of parking lot.

Aside from the general cosmetic updates we make to increase the equity in the property, I always walk through and update/replace anything that can, “wake me up at night”.