If you're looking to get into artsy hip stuff you'll likely do a lot better if you flip these properties as opposed to turning them into rentals.

Attention flippers! What are you guys and gals paying for countertops? I know prices vary around the country but I'm still curious and don't want to get ripped off while completing my current project. 
My first quote...

. - do not over leverage, do not spend on stupid stuff, save up, keep reading,  meet people, be nice and kind to others - it does pay back. good luck!!!

Coupled with a crazy hot market, I think that is a difficult play if you are using any kind of financing (I was, even though I'm used to buying my local stuff with cash).

I hope they make a Landlording: Vice City game where I can play as a landlord, deal with problem tenants and blow stuff up. 

Do you want to be a landlord and deal with this stuff? 

I know you've probably heard folks say you should network with GC's or get 3 GC's to bid out your houses before you make offers etc...........Lol none of that stuff is practical in the real world.

Do they flag stuff like a furnace or water heater that was replaced and didn't pull permit or are they usually pretty relax unless theres a tenant complaint?

But if your competition is way better than you, then expect to get sub-par rental rates.Your manager saying it would be easier to rent with old stuff must be thinking that the rental rate would be cheaper (you would obviously want higher rent if everything was new), but if the rent was the same, the newer appearing unit will rent faster and to better tenants.

Lots of other stuff that I'm sure I'm missing....Any advice is much appreciated!