I can't say how reasonable the paint cost is for your area. 

All types of credit are important in painting the picture of the character of an applicant for credit, it shows the financial sophistication of an applicant, their ability to pay as agreed, but poor credit in one area doesn't mean there is a much higher risk in all areas, the risk may be higher than one with great credit, but it is not at a point that disqualifies an applicant from all types of credit.For consumer loans, the better applicant might well be someone who just had a bankruptcy, the reason is that they may not take bankruptcy again for 7 years, that eliminates the risk of a borrower dodging the payment by taking bankruptcy.

Paint a professional picture they can rely on.Underwriters love documentation!

Some have never been painted and some already painted a few times so I probably have to use the same type paint.

Wanting to negotiate with a friend/painter to paint the inside of a rental, their labor, my materials.

.- Keep the little things on the outside of the properties painted and in good repair...mailboxes, porch lights, railings.

I've also been told there are some special paints that can be used to eliminate any lingering smoke odors in the framing of the house.

Paint, carpets, etc. will wear out.

What about asbestos and lead-based paint?

It's sad, you and I pay for these money-sucking lawsuits - when we renew our policy and when we are forced to overbuild and overcompensate for the idiots out there who will eat the paint chips, or in this case, kill their neighbor on your property.