Kitchen renovation (cabinets, countertops, appliances) bathroom renovation, and flooring are usually the cosmetic things that I find add the most cost, you should be able to determine if at least any if these areas need to be updated and go from there. 

Two of the nicest things you can do to any home are 1) open up the space, take down or put a pass-through in the kitchen wall 2) Get a new stone countertop and appliances for the kitchen, maybe a trick sink and under-cabinet lighting?

We replaced roof, some new windows, new A/C, flooring, quartz countertops, new appliances, basic bathroom remodel and gave the exterior a facelift.

I'm not at all a fan of cultured marble countertops because random soaps and products can discolor and damage them, and the 80s swirl is so out, but I've had good luck with shower surrounds and tubs.

New flooring, painted cabinets and new counter tops Lessons learned?

Turns out, this was a countertop microwave that the previous owner built in, but it was still built in, so the warranty co agreed to replace it, since it couldn't be fixed. 

We put in 3/4" hardwood oak, painted, updated a bathroom, painted kitchen cabinets, changed countertops & tiled the flooring.What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Where are you buying nice countertops from?

‘This new kitchen with granite countertops is the only one I have seen in this neighborhood, after visiting 5 properties in a 3-mile radius.

My granite guys come after and put in new countertops.