Here's a link https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-a-home-improvement-contrac...IMO vetting contractors is important.

As far as the improvements done on the rental, you can start depreciating those once the property is put in service. 

Most land bank properties, Detroit or Wayne County, are trainwrecks and cost more to rehab than they are worth - unless the market keeps improving.Be careful on the next one, but keep improving Detroit!

@Will Greenlee there is no perfect PM software, unfortunately.We use one of the most flexible, but it has a long learning curve and we'd still like to see many improvements.

I'm a pretty handy guy but this would be outside of my realm, but my experience helps me understand how much this type of improvement should cost.Improvements: remodel kitchen and bathroom, paint interior, fix exterior scafolding.How should I go about finding a contractor?

By focusing on cost-effective improvements, investors can significantly enhance property value.By first Identifying which renovations offer the highest ROI—typically kitchens, bathrooms, and curb appeal. 

It was also difficult to assess the heating situation after repairs since tenant refused to provide key to access unit for repairs and/emergencies, citing “privacy and safety” concerns.

I either jack and jill the bathroom or add a hallway blocking off the bedroom portion to that bath to allow access for the rest of the members.  

The plan was to refinance when rates dropped to improve cashflow, we just had to get out of our hard money loans at the time.

For expansion, innovation, or simply covering cash flow during slow periods, access to capital is often a barrier.