The local utility company actually provided and installed the faucet and shower head for free as part of an energy saving initiative.

@Brian GarrettI would say light value add.The buildings are good quality and have been well-maintained so there are not many major issues to address.

My ideal first flip would be something under 1200 square feet and light to medium rehab. 

I know I personally had no desire to escape to another urban environment (other than a moment of wishing I could experience Venice when there were no other tourists <grin>).If we are able to bring the pandemic under control by summer 2021, I suspect there will be a lot of pent up energy to visit all the vibrant destination cities around the world that were closed down and not at all vibrant in 2020.And, yes, we were able to purchase the 200 Airbnb IPO Directed Shares.

I don’t have time, knowledge, skill set (or energy) to manage rentals, and I’m struggling to find deals that make sense on my own.

I've been using an ozone generator for several years and it works well for light smoke odors:https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...I recommend washing all surfaces, cleaning the carpets, and then running an ozone generator.

Unless your apartment is light years better in terms of condition as compared to any others available, why wouldn't I just rent from the landlord down the street who is only requiring 2 months upfront? 

When you get in your car and drive off your driveway - you have to follow the traffic rules such as: when you come to a stop sign - you have to stop, when you come to the red light - you have to stop and wait for the green light in order to turn left, you have to drive on the right side of the road - you can't drive on the left side.

@Angela Romero common area/basement lighting, water, city sewer requirements, lawn moving, etc

But be real careful with this strategy by the time you pay points and interest on your rehab loan two closings refi costs.. many times the amount of equity you garner is NOT anywhere near what you think it is and you spend a lot of time and energy and RISK instead of just buying a rental.. your going to have to have significant CASH to pull off a HML you can just use that cash for a down payment on a ready to go no risk finished home. ??