Security Fence, zoning, cameras, etc.Lease to gardeners, hunters (insurance), or sell hay off of it.We buy bigger sections with plenty of road frontage and sell off part at a higher price per acre to pay for the part you keep. 

Completely renovated the entire house to increase estimated rent and home value; this included luxury vinyl planks for flooring on main floor and basement, fresh paint throughout, new carpeting on the second floor, remodeled all bathrooms, added a shed for storage in the backyard (it's a townhouse, space is crucial in the area!)

I'm sure it's a whole different story if you're getting into the business in your 20s with a fresh face and kind eyes, but that wasn't me.At the same time, I learned a very, very valuable lesson growing up that translates well to landlording.

I actually came back home and tried to figure out how my tiny, mundane urban unit could begin to achieve 5 stars.I decided to stop providing fresh flowers and chocolates to our guests because it took me 48 hours before I even noticed that one of our California hosts had a drop dead gorgeous fresh flower arrangement in the living room of our unit.

I have a fresh, clean slate to start on.

You may generate more views and showings if your property shows well in the listing photos, but people still want to see updated/new kitchens and bathrooms and fresh paint on the interior.

I purchased new appliances, new waterheaters, and new floating floors, as well as fresh paint throughout the homes.Is there a way for some of that to be deducted the same year I purchased or does it all go as a capital expense?

Added in-unit laundry rooms, new kitchens, new bathrooms with subway tile, roof, electrical and all new plumbing, minor landscaping and fresh exterior and interior paint.

Best practice is always to start fresh so you don't inadvertently agree to things that are not in your best interest. 

I'm attempted to abandon everything and pull it out and start with fresh?