Treasury and mortgage rates dropped, and boosted expectations that the Fed is done hiking interest rates.

For investors like me that focus on the okanagan it is going to be a nice boost.

I have dirt contractors that do a lot including storm water, water mains, concrete and curb and gutter.

We've thought about letting guests know when trash day is and asking them to put it out on the curb.

All the exterior and common area improvements help curb appeal, try to separately meter utilities (stinks because you can’t see it, but that’s a direct way to increase Cap Rate), then the interior renovations: even if you have the nicest finishes & nicest units on the block sometimes you can’t increase rent pst a certain point based on what other buildings/units are getting.

I would recommend house hacking especially if it is your first deal for couple of reasons : - will bring down your housing expenses - find a property with some value add options ( use minimal down payment and use your remainder of cash for improvements ) , this will give you a boost in equity that can be used to buy more RE later- self managing via house hacking will take out property management expense and will teach you more on RE investing - house hacking will also give you the best loan product and chance to enter in high appreciating neighborhoods with very less money 

Airbnb can be a great way to boost revenue, I own/manage for others and net out 30-40% higher then LTR but make sure your business is NEVER reliant on it as in the property still must cashflow positive without airbnb.

Mark:Your thought process is sound and RUBS can be a great way to boost total returns.  

new vanity to side B. new light fixtures. ceiling fans through out. washer and dryer installed. landscaping to increase curb appeal.

In the Austin metro area, look for options to boost cash flow yields if you can’t cash flow with a traditional down payment.