New floors upstairs, new stairs, new paint, new furniture, light fixtures, toilets, ceiling fans, etc etc.. 

Budgeting for furniture in an STR should be at least $10-12 per sqft and It takes a heck of a lit of effort to design the interior and set everything up.

Both properties have outdoor activities that draw visitors to the area.

You may think that putting up some cool art work or unique furniture that you like will be appealing but what people really want is something simple and minimalistic that has clean lines and very little clutter.

May change the refrigerator into black so it will match the other appliancesChanging kitchen cabinet staining- that will resemble with the appliancesPrivate backyard not enclosed - can charge additional in the rental fee if backyard is enclosedNot enough accents in the pool area (ex. placement of umbrellas, gazebo, arrangement of pool chairs)Not enough benches; repurposing of existing outdoor picnic benches and tables needed - to experience more of the outdoor area amenities Outdoor public grill placed in a health hazard area (rusty and too near the benches)

Utilities, internet, and furniture are all included in the lease. 

Of the two largest facilities that I turned over to the storage management company, the first I had built from the ground up and the second was an old wholesale furniture showroom conversion to climate control storage.Three of the remaining facilities (195 units total) are managed out of my main office and are no more than 1 mile from the office.

When making comparisons, realize that you will have to pay for furniture, utilities, and cable/internet.

I have a gut feeling that prospective tenants who want to live in a small studio usually have no furniture.

Airbnb start up costs: 2,500 (furniture, electronics, kitchen items, and decor).