In the winter, in colder climates, make sure your unit is kept at a temperature no less than 50 degrees, otherwise there is the potential for freezing pipes and structural damage.Twice we have found candle burn marks under kitchen cabinets and wax drippings in carpets after tenants had their electricity cut.

According to the ad it has recently had new paint inside and out, new carpets, flooring,roof, windows, toilet and lights.

The interior definitely needs revamping (carpet, paint) but there were no major visible defects when we saw it, other than the fact that it was filthy and hadn't been maintained well.  

LouisUnit #1: 2b/ 1bRent: $700-800/ monthlyCondition: FairUpgrades: Paint every room, update bathroom fixtures, Fix kitchen floor (bubbling laminate), replace ceiling fans, A/C unit needed (but already ducted)Unit #2: 3b/1b & officeRent: Owner Occupied & rent 2 bedrooms @ $400/ monthly per roomCondition: FairUpgrades: Paint rooms, Replace carpet in three rooms, chair rail &baseboard needed in kitchen, **This unit runs on radiant heat, no A/C ducts**Property Overall: Needs Roof work, wall in detached garage to be replaced, Old radiant heat in 2nd unit is concerning, basement is dry, some chipping paint in 2nd unit, better location than Prop #1, No off street parking, 

Start asking her opinion on what properties... and if you were to get that one, which paints and color schemes to go with, interior design, blinds vs curtains, carpet vs hardwood, etc.

The biggest selling point was to rip up the old stinky carpets and refinish the gorgeous oak floors underneath.

We also require our tenants to have the carpets professionally steam cleaned when moving out.

Minimize carpet. 

Put about $4000 into it, with new carpet, paint and a fridge, and we now have it rented for $850/month.The other half has been for sale since we bought our place, at $125,000.

I'm going to model out paint, carpet/flooring, and landscaping.