And I had put so much work into their apartment, new carpet, painted, fixtures and on.

Paint it, remove green weeds and green window cover thing, maybe black top the driveways.

I’ve owned a dozen properties for almost 25 years and I’ve spent less than $500 on roofing, and zero on exterior siding/painting.

If it's an old wood window that can't be replaced or blocked super easily, you could always go down to the studs from the inside, put a piece of treated plywood (painted black) over the window itself, and screw that into place so that it's flush with the studs.  

Oh, do you think you can paint the walls before I move in?

This house only needed a full paint job, hot water heater and new flooring.

This house only needed a full paint job, hot water heater and new flooring.

Who does he have to do framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, paint, tile, cabinets and counters, flooring, roof?  

I would purchase something that needs some light renovation, like paint and flooring, so you can experience some renovation. 3.

Rehab bathrooms, floor, paint, kitchen, new appliances, split the property.