My apologies, I had no idea that they actually looked that similar in black and white hahaunreal

The pet occupied property filters are always black, and the no pet property filter light gray. 

However, I'm not advocating you get rentals that are going to be a black hole. 

Mitch Swenson at NAI Black is a mentor of mine and one of the top multi-family agents around.  

I can't imagine how a tenant can be so coy when what I itemized seems black and white?  

It's a great canvas to improve upon --I suggest the following to make it more modern & appealing without needing to invest a lot in the exterior or change the structure:Coat of paint to make it more modern I suggest keeping it simple with white tone exterior with black accents (on the railing, shutters, trim and sconces) https://people.hgtv.com/professionals/prairie/mode...Add shutters on both sides Update the sconces to something a little larger and more modern to add visual interest and take up some of the blank spaceAdd simple landscaping on either side to introduce greenery against the simple color scheme of the homeBest of luck with this!

I've found that in states with solid Contractors License Boards, the last thing a Contr wants is a black mark next to their name.

Sounds like this one is still in the black; so, not the end of the world and the learning experience is invaluable.

I live in Raleigh as well and am set to close in January on my first STR outside of Asheville (Black Mountain). 

The rot comes from the water “sponging up” through the unpainted wood on the bottom surface of the column where it sits on the concrete.For the deck, if the yard slopes away, you can bury a longer black flex pipe so the water comes out 10’, 20’ away if you want.