When I did a split test and sent out a comparable quantity of pieces using my copywriting, same paper, ink color, envelope and stamp, targeting similar property owners, I had a much higher close rate and got better spreads on the deals I closed.So, greatest marketing strategy ever?

I guess you could always put your properties in the classified section of the Sunday newspaper, or, even better, one of those color booklets that they give away for free right by the door of the supermarket...now that is some up-to-the-minute information there.I'm curious why this is "great news"?  

Things as simple as paint color can help or hinder you from renting a place quicker.  

If you're color is close, the difference from one wall to another won't be noticeable.

Here are threads on durable materials for all aspects of rentals:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/68041-how-do-you-harden-your-rentalshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/77534-rehabbing-for-rental-propertieshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/432/topics/82068-durable-efficient-remodel-of-rentalhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/78052-what-renovations-make-the-most-sense-for-your-rentalshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/99325-how-to-make-your-property-indestructible-well-almostHere are threads for just flooring in rentals:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/53707-what-is-the-most-tenant-friendly-flooring-http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/84063-rental---12mm-laminate-vs-porcelain-tilehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/76696-trafficmaster-allure-ultra-wood-vinyl-plankshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/73244-trafficmaster-allure-and-vinyl-wood-flooringhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/84/topics/93026-refinishing-hardwood-floorshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/67742-placing-laminate-flooring-in-rentalshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/84/topics/70869-refinish-pine-floors-or-install-pergo-or-laminatehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/60380-color-shade-of-laminate-to-put-in-rental-http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/72857-vct-flooringhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/78077-lifetime-warranty-on-flooringhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/88289-commercial-carpet-vs-residential-carpet-for-rentalhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/84/topics/93278-floor-in-a-canhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/74297-hardwood-engineered-flooring-over-concretehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/70293-flooring-in-rental-stairs

Keep your costs down by using a common paint color on the inside as well as carpet from an ethical supplier and dependable manufacturer. 

The roof is at least 15-20 years old and has typical fading and coloring so even if I had a bundle of the orIgInal shingles, it wouldn’t match.

When I got started I feared putting out signs for my marketing, talking to sellers, spending money that I might not get back, worrying about people not wanting to sell me their home because of my skin color, not having the cash on hand to buy it, not pulling up to the house in a luxury car, etc, etc, etc...All these things are just inside your head.

You have a range of color choices, often about 5, to choose from when repainting.

Here is one that I made and have used with good results.There is a full color front and back image here:http://www.reitoolbar.com/postcard.htmlHope that helps.