The house was completely renovated (central A/C, plumbing, electrical, heat pump, water heater, painting, etc.) earlier this year so I don't expect many issues.

They have no real estate experience and are just going off of general perception.The next big problem is that he is supposedly ordering a new HVAC with the A Coil and outside unit that he wants to install himself.

Old shrubs make a house look old, new shrubs make a house look new.Tree low hanging tree branchesRun a dehumidifier in basementRemove cars from driveway, garage, and front streetMake sure sump pumps are in working orderHave drains professionally cleaned preventivelyTake down and put away all personal pictures, and any political, religious, or sports references.Professionally clean carpets.Make sure there are no odors, whether from pets, smoking, or cooking etc.Paint the entire interior with neutral colors, doesn't have to be white (snow blind white not recommended), but subdued earth tones work.Have heat or air conditioning on but set at moderate level, should not be too hot or too cold.Keep electric turned on, water too but caution for freeze damage and leaks in vacant houses.

I want to move to Alaska because I have a rare allergy, its to the heat and sun.

At first glance, the asking price is roughly double what we can get here in Waterville Maine with the same rents ($575-$700 typical heated 2 BR, tenant pays electric) - I see it's Austin though...here we need about 1,800 gallons of oil for a fairly well sealed 4 plex (2BRs).

The property has no central heat or air just window units.

Keep in mind that this is generally the goal of the buyer and seller as well...A lot of times, in the heat of negotiations, buyers and sellers will get stubborn and dig in their heels out of principal.

yes I understand there are too many variables and its difficult to detail in forum; initially I thought of taking full dry walls out and do the complete renovation; afterwards realized I may not need to take all walls at all; but still need full HVAC duct work and need to take the existing one out as it is not placed right; and need to add heat system on the same A/c duct work (basically central heat and A/c with 4-zone system); kitchen needs to be redone completely, take out existing put the new one with Gas stove (currently it is electric stove); 2 bathrooms full renovation; apart from that full floor (around 1700 sqft; in that 800 is in basement floor), window replacements (around 9 double hung window and 1 bay window); all interior doors needs to be replaced, new insulation, drywall and veneer plaster; but no wall move or anything (just take the existing one and replace); still it is significant work.

I have been watching the market and it looks very over heated here with properties going up in price and getting snagged in bidding wars.

Include heat as part of the rent to max your savings.Paul