Sounds like you need to have a relationship with a couple of good contractors, 40k for vinyl siding sounds high, what was the material cost.  

I'm starting to acquire furnishings and am looking for a checklist of sorts to help keep myself organized as I seek the best deals on high quality goods to furnish our rental. 

Definitely a strong location with great visibility and high foot traffic.Since it’s a NNN,  your expenses are minimal, but if LazyDog ever exits, buildout costs will depend on lease terms and the next tenant.

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

But the mortgage is still too high. 

Coming from an area where rents are much lower (a 2-bed, 1-bath, 1,500 sqft rental averages $1,270/month), I was shocked by the high rental prices in Danbury.

Highly recommended.

Make sure you are highly dedicated and motivated to take action.

Since your property has high resale potential, some lenders may be willing to work with you.Cash-Out Refinance – If you’re open to refinancing, you could take out a new mortgage for a portion of the home’s value (say, 60-70% of the $500K), and use the cash difference for renovations.Personal Loan – If you have good credit, you might qualify for a personal loan for part of the rehab costs, though interest rates are typically higher than secured loans.Partner with an Investor – Given the potential profit, you may be able to find a real estate investor or contractor willing to finance the rehab in exchange for a share of the profits upon sale.Your best option depends on your financial standing, timeline, and risk tolerance.

Unemployment was high but I had savings and managed to find work.