Don't skimp on education.

My guess is that you ended up with three beautiful properties were they did not skimp on the interior design or furnishings.

Also write a basic business plan and don't skimp on the marketing section.

Don't skimp on your proforma.

Figure it into your numbers - don't try to increase income by skimping on expenses - it will ALWAYS bite you!

I'd just say, don't skimp on spending the money to take the trips out and really learn the areas.  

I would not skimp out on the buyer's agent commission though.

I can clean the walls and touch up between tenants versus repainting.Trying to skimp on paint is being penny wise and pound foolish as the old saying goes.

Most skimp on replacing baseboards but that is a must with any new flooring other than carpet.Quartz Countertops: $1000 - Paint $750 - if your turning a lot of units it should cost less than $1/sq foot and doesn't include scraping popcorn ceiling. $1200 if scraping popcorn.Cabinets $1200-1500 - Can find them for less than $1000 bulk negotiatedLight fixtures and electrical - $700Plumbing fixtures - $900Shower surround - $1000And there you go $7,500 or less.