Many have guidelines for improvements especially basement finishes.  

Does anyone have any advice on how to improve my lead generation for apartments?

Payments that you make normally fall into one of 3 buckets100% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnPartial payment can be factored somewhere on the return0% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnHouse-hacking also has considerable tax implications in the event that you want to sell this property.You can potentially defer a portion or all of the gain on the investment property with 1031 exclusion.You can potentially exclude a portion or all of the gain on the personal residence with section 121 exclusionThe answer to your $10,000 question is it depends on if the unit is in service and what the breakdown of the $10,000 is(repair vs improvement) and if there is any safe harbor/election to currently expense the items.

My goal is to refi with cash out of the row house to make improvements to the property and to start wholesaling for cash flow to then move to purchase notes and/or multi-families to diversify my risk.

If you're not making improvements, what you paid is, by definition, the value of the property.

Increased insurance costs for new valuation with your improvements?

Some improvements were completed when we first purchased with intent to rent (new roof, etc) some improvements in 2015 when we were going to move in (new kitchen, updated bath) and misc improvements as needed during last 8 years.

Hi everyone - I recently noticed that the BP calculators have gone through a great upgrade! I like the new look and flow, especially the rental calculator which I  use on an almost daily basis. I did however realize t...

What improvements are needed to get top of the market rents? 

You buy and hold, improve slowly, get the right tenants in and enjoy the cash flow.