Changing the carpet out of the years is cosmetic repair/improvement and not required to bring it up to current codes.

Once I own the property, the focus is on what can I do to improve the cash flow from the property?  

I recommend: pass, until your own funding availability is much improved.

My husband and I are interested in getting into flipping too improve ourselves those around us.

My career in home improvement and repair began in 1973 while working for a home improvement company as a door to door canvasser, then I enrolled thru the UAW connected Trade Union Leadership Conferences into building trades training at Cass Tech, learning house wiring and framing.

It always improves but it doesn't always kill it.

A plan to consider.Keep the section 8 tenant in place (depending on the terms of the lease & the property, "as is" still meeting section 8 requirements)Evict the hoarderOnce the hoarder's gone renovate the hoarder's unitOnce complete rent out the new unit then work on the section 8 unit; improve & increase the rent

New windows and a door would go a long way, but what can I do to improve the brick look? 

If paid in a timely fashion,both will improve your credit score.

If you're on the gentrification line, you might want to swing a little harder and see if you can improve your tenant pool, but if you are buried between the airport and demarcation line I would probably go as inexpensive as possible.