To get rid of the smoke Steam clean the carpets, repaint the house with Kilz and use a ozone machine. 

(iii) What about the exterior appearance of a property, does something like power washing the driveway really make a difference in generating market rents? 

In my case, the "problem" would be "ease of access" (long, steep, and/or washed out driveways). 

However, it is not as washed out as the one above. 

There are no appliances currently in the home and I wonder if anyone can suggest a place to shop appliances ( fridge, wash & dryer...).

So if the property is rented (and sometimes you get credit for the rental income even if it's empty) then it will be a wash against you.  

Can I offer the hard money lender a 50k return of $375,000 via refi and wash my hands.What are some helpful scenario's.

It's built this year 2017, appliances (minus fridge and laundering machines) are all included.

In short, your best case scenario is a wash in terms of turnover costs vs. a rent raise.  

You’d be primarily attracting those that want Ladue schools-Wash U students are going to look primarily at the West End, U City and Clayton as they are within walking distance to campus.As for families looking within the school district,  a $2,500/mo budget gives them quite a few options for leasing as well as buying.