Pretty much just installing curtain rods, changing the thermostat, and painting.

Since the home has vinyl siding, that probably won't do any good because it was probably installed after the cracks appeared.I would carefully inspect inside for signs of water intrusion.

This can mean something as simple as having foundation flood vents installed for a crawl space or garage.

Paying off your installment car loan will hurt your score.

I have replaced a water heater, furnace, bathroom sink, gas range and I am having new doors installed.

lead (and other metals) typically enter the water from the water itself being to acidic and dissolving the lead from the existing plumbing, solder, and fixtures.  

No personal sweat-equity rehab projects; I'm busy with my day job and I don't have time to replace a roof or install a new furnace myself (not to mention that even if I did have the time I couldn't transport it).

Then to preparation, framing, easy roofing, then installing windows and doors, painting, trim work, etc.

I've been in the HVAC industry and the architectural sheet metal trade my whole career (Sheet Metal Workers Local 36) and construction and rehab comes easy for me.  

I bought a house where every outlet was installed with the white and black wires reversed.