I think the key is making the place look fresh and clean, not sparkling new with all new cabinets, counters and HGTV sparkle.    

Houston has historically been a strong market for garden-style apartments with value-add potential, and it continues to be a desirable location for real estate investment, particularly in the asset class and business plan you mentioned.

Coops & condos are a great way to get started, and there are many nice garden apartments in the area.

I ended up submitting the protest on my own and did not use a third party due to the fact that I just bought this property and have my closing documents and a fresh appraisal. 

Seasoned properties are more likely to be fully occupied, freshly renovated / brought up to date and NOT the result of a fire sale or a sneaky wholesaler / flipper who dusts off the property, pulls the equity out, and then potentially defers maintenance (no skin in the game = no pride in ownership = more likely for this kind of negligent behavior).But, like you said, there are plenty of cases where a property is bought at a bargain.

DD214 should allow the broker to pull a fresh COE from webLGY for you as well. 

The housekeeper WILL change linens if the renters put a fresh set out in an obvious spot. 

For the seller, this as a very risky option because I was a fresh college grad working a low income job with student loans to repay.  

Gardening, Utilities, etc.)3) Add #1 and #2, and compare to how much you think you can rent it for. 

As to situations mentioned above, a gift card is dandy, Lowes/HD is good, they will use it.I'd aslo consider something more personal too, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Stake N Ale, Pizza joints or whatever, let them take the family out too!