@Jerel EhlertThank you for your professional advice, I really appreciate it! 

This guy isn't a professional.

If the property has been  well maintained (I know, this can be relative), usually $1k is enough to turnover (carpet cleaning, professional cleaning of the rest of the house).

As I keep learning and saving, My problem I’m torn about is, I want a property that will target the young professionals moving to the city. 

I figured this would be a good place to get some advice, insight and guidance from the professionals. 

Just to hear some different professional opinions here, what would be your next step if you want to grow but also reduce debt?

Thus, I'd like to use a professional.)Last fall, I sought bids for snow removal (shoveling/blowing walkways - no plowing) and to those that bothered to respond, I got ridiculous prices back ($150-$225 per trip; it takes an hour total to shovel all the properties, including travel time between).This spring, I am seeking lawn maintenance bids and I am experiencing the same thing; outrageous (in my opinion) prices for the work involved.  

The agent I am working with is a good value, because she pays for all the professional photos and also for the staging, which does seem to make a difference, I must admit. 

I am not a professional photographer, but I can do a pictures of your properties for you for free.Basically looking for a connections and an experience, not the money.

@Craig Lessler there is not a very good chance you can do anything about it right now but if you get a good tax appeal professional they may be able to go back more than a year but I cant be sure.