We have passed on deals where a modification would have resulted in to low of a return for us, we prefer not to be in a situation where we HAVE to evict someone to make our target return.

This is the primary reason I prefer VRBO over Airbnb.

If you are trying to maximize space you may want to consider convertible sofas and/or one that has a pull out option.As far as material my preference would be a darker neutral color microfiber that would be easier to clean.Possibly most important is looking for one that is commercial grade for durability.

Society likes to gaslight when that happens, I prefer to fight such fire with fire and in occasion wind.

A 14-50r plug was always the preferred method, especially before the world woke  up and switched to the Tesla charging standard.

I have dozens of clients doing this in New Jersey most of which come from no construction background, they simply use preferred vendors we have in place (not GC's) which lowers renovations cost because there is no middle man. 

Since you will have it on the market sooner vacant I think that would be my preference going into winter, if it were closer to summer I would put tenants in.  

The wife and kids would prefer to stay. :)   I'll likely do the HELOC and not worry about the extra taxes on gains over $500k when I finally do sell someday. 

For some people, it is a preference thing and that is fine too.

@Bracken Bjorn The answer is in the local data...and the data might look differently to you than someone else...it's really about your goals, tolerance for risk, available resources, and personal preference...