Last tenant threw a radio out the kitchen window (with the window closed) and there is glass over a pretty wide section of lawn.  

Apartments might be a little quicker than SF homes, but we have an actual slide deck (on a tablet) to walk them trough the main issues and we have significantly fewer issues with people that went through our formal orientation

And at the same time the Home Designer is saying that the actual color of the cabinet, floor, wall, window treatments are more important(having professionals to help can make things different) than just deorating house with furnitures.

If the roof windows and siding are in decent shape then usually the bones of the house are in decent shape as well.

Here's a checklist I would use for a Dayton duplex that's good for cashflow.Rental neighborhood, no warzones.Rent ready or closeNo upcoming large expenses (roof, windows, furnace, etc)Double pane windows (pref) or single pane with storms (acceptable)No wood siding.Tenants pay all utilitiesMonthly rent 800-900 for a two bedroom, 1000-1200 for a 3 bedroom.2% rule. $800 gross rent = 40K max priceReduce price by major expenses, and to correct items above.There's some variation depending on the submarket, but this list would get someone started right.

Often times this will be a slide of over $10,000 before you can get a new tenant back inside (and hope they don't put you in the same situation).

Use a frosted window film.

Over the past 8 months our landlord has spent no less than 20 days working in his office right outside our bedroom window.

Needs complete remodel including new windows, has window air only. 

Could always dress it up with nicer trim around windows, update flooring, outlet covers, etc.