Reliable, relatively inexpensive, and efficient to run. 

I just want to try and get a jump start on life by investing my time and energy now.

Typically, siding doesnt improve rent. 

Things like televisions, home theater equipment and stereos actually run in “standby” mode when you leave them plugged in, and they can draw as much energy as a 100-watt light bulb.

To suggest or infer that if OOSI didn't come in and buy these properties that they would somehow majestically be better taken care of and the quality of the blighted neighborhoods would improve is just silly.  

It's really tough to buy cash flow right now, you'll most likely have to create it by improving the property and increasing rents. 

I am definitely doing some of my numbers to see where we stand financially and see where we could improve. ( credit card debt, school loans, etc. ) how long after u decided to REI did u you purchase your first home?

Having said that, the property I was considering for a client was one that we would have spent a lot of money improving (roof, ac, cosmetic) - yet it passed a recent inspection. 

I am thinking of adding solar panels (owned not leased) to the property to improve value. 

That said, here's my short input: Richmond has generally been a crappy city in the past (note: not the surrounding areas), however they've put a lot of effort into improving over the past 15 or so years and it's apparently a happening city.