It can be hard to foresee what repairs will be needed, but landlords should consider expenses like carpet cleaning, paint, electrical, plumbing and any other fixes that keep a property habitable for renters.

I just don't see a few hundred dollars as exciting, especially if you're putting up big $$ for a new construction.. think about it, if it's just a washer or dryer that need to be fixed, or new coat of paint, make sure to look at houses from a renters standard--not your own.  

I'm debating painting cabinets of a small home (800 sq ft $60K ARV) to add some character and differentiation.

The laundry room is painted an apricot color, because the name of the complex is Apricot Court. :-) Comfortable and clean.

change to sheet rock or paint paneling?

Are you buying full rehabs or paint and carpet kind of flips?

Better curb appeal, carpet and paint, simple turn over... what would it take to increase 100 on each side and when are the leases up?

Newer appliances, fresh paint, landscaping? 

First of all, paint the siding, houses of that era were not typically white, it must have been re-sided at some point (probably when the original clapboards/shingles were rotting).

Will you pay yourself $15 for a can light installation where you have to remove, drill holes, locate attic studs, secure junction boxes, assemble and install lights, clean-up debris, and paint if needed?