My other idea is use 2x6 redwood (about the same price as that composite stuff), but I want to treat it with something to preserve the color of the redwood.

A lot of times sellers say it's in a neighborhood but it's actually several blocks away...You might be able to flip it depending on the address.

There are some good areas around Temple, but it can get pretty dicey a couple blocks in the wrong direction.

Not a flashy color though of course.

I did not mention this in my initial post but it did perhaps color my thinking.Todd, your reminder for us all to treat others as we would like to be treated is a good one.Thanks for your advice,Dan

That's my #1 pet peeve on houses with front loading garage doors, when people leave them white or paint them the accent color. 

Dave.The presence of a black colored mold is not really the issue.A basement full of green, gray, or blue fuzzy mold can be just as harmful as the black stuff.

If one color of paint in plain rooms is the expectation you'll waste money with two tone paint and crown molding.Over improving is one of the primary mistakes of new investors.

All, please check out my BP blog post that you helped me write:http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/12/09/tenant-proof-apartment-landlord-future/Thanks everyone helping me over come writer's block.

We are in the upper 1/3 for the south side of the City, but more importantly are ~15% above comparable units (1 each of a 2bdrm & 3bdrm) in the same block.