Landscaping, paint, light fixtures, lots of minor cosmetics.

When you run your calculations be sure to include: Vacancy factor, even if it's 100% fullLarge enough maintenance and turn over expense Replacement reserve ($150-200/month for SF and duplex and more for larger buildings)Make sure you include all the fees, such as admin, city licensing fees, water, trash and utilities, landscaping, etcAlso add in property management

My parents have since done quite a bit of landscaping that greatly adds to curb appeal.

Full kitchen and 2 bath reno, paint, floors, and landscaping.

I figured I could market to that demographic.

What about pruning the landscaping? 

If you are in an area with favorable demographic trends (% moving in vs % leaving) and barriers to additional capacity (I am in the greater Portland metro market) combined with very cheap debt if you can get it, and the plan is a non transactional purchase (i.e. buy and hold) then I think that in 10 years I will be looking back wish I had bought more even if there is a rollercoaster in the middle. 

I replaced the appliances, painted the interior, replaces all lighting fixtures and ceiling fans, demolished a secondary deck, landscaped, repainted shutters, and minor exterior vinyl siding repairs with powerwash.

Paint interior, replace appliances, replace all fixtures and ceiling fans, detailed landscaping, replace HVAC system.

Last summer i started a landscaping business while working part time at two other jobs and interning at the property management company.