As for what I have to offer, I'd say: experience, capital, an incredible work ethic, time to devote and enthusiasm for the sector. 

The market that I am in is very expensive but the upside if the properties are done right your get incredible ARV's, sold appreciation and big rent with amazing NET cash flow.

*I expect I will have to pay something out of pocket towards monthly P&I because I'm only looking in popular mid-size cities with high demand, where it's very difficult to find house-hacking opportunities where I would pay nothing for rent.

And this is an incredibly important concept that so many people misunderstand, and even get backwards. 

Valhalla is one of the most popular areas to invest....as long as it's not any of the condos on Villard, you should be good..imo

They are much more popular when you go to sell.You could dig a basement pool just the same.A normal home, no matter how small would be more work--but you get a lot more out of it too.You can lean the basics of how to build a regular home on the internet.Look how cute this small home is?

The new construction competition in my market is incredibly fierce and I always see these new developments trying to add as many amenities as they can to attract students.

Depending on where you buy - Air BnB opportunities are really popular as well if you don't sell right away or if you don't plan on utilizing your property during weekends/big events.Downtown Indianapolis is street-by-street - you'll find good pockets here and there but there isn't a "area" in particular you'd want to focus on.

They sell for $230,000 and buyers are fixing them up with upstairs mezzanines, lifts, memorabilia and incredible man caves.

I'm In the process of upgrading  a small 3 -2 rental and I'm at the point now where i need to choice some new kitchen cabinets and the bathroom vanities looking for some advice on which to choice whats the most popular with more experienced landlord investors who have been through these upgrades before ?