The house was already a STR, but I spent ~$10k for light refurnishing, touch up painting and deep cleaning to make the listing more attractive.

They started giving orders - can we ask the color of paint to be white if you are going to paint and even asked me to include it in the contract. 

I'm refreshing it with paint, floor, and more, and then I want to do a 1031 exchange in 2022.

The renovation wouldn’t be drastic either, it would mainly be flooring, paint, new bathroom sink/cabinetry and bathroom reglazing. 

Than use VA home loan to buy either SF again or multifamily that can have a little TLC like (new paint, new floors...I'm not looking for crazy major construction project for my next property) But that will add value to the property after a year because 1. it's been renovated 2. it's going to be close to military installations 3.

If you could choose anything, something that needs paint and carpet rehab?

We helped remove the old tenants, cleaned out the house and spent $20,000 on floor, paint, repairs and upgrades.

They had bee painted a few times, and were an off or aged white. 

Sanding eves, Caulking, painting the exterior, replacing hardware throughout the house, some yard improvements etc.

If the place doesn't seem like it needs any real repairs (besides cleaning, paint, and maybe fixing a cabinet) does that change how you would approach the situation?