To maximize full value, most buyers do indeed prefer for the property to be vacant.

Finally, if you don't have the cash or don't want to spend out of pocket, there are programs that will fund the repairs before you sell to help you maximize your exit. 

Therefore we spent the next 6 months furnishing the unit to make it a comfortable, pet-friendly AirBnB unit.

It all depends on your comfort level though.

This enables to you invest cheaply, maximize rent income and cash flow, and build some experience as an investor/Landlord.

Don’t just go with one person’s recommendation, it’s an extremely personal choice and where you end up should be where you feel the most comfortable and that you will have the best chance of success there.

I am not sure if I owned a mill if I would really feel comfortable putting a residential tree through my saw. 

We have a gas furnace, but in the winter we find a good electric tower fan space heater and the rigs electric fireplace keep us more than comfortable.

Either selling the properties and using the profits to buy larger properties or just using my personal cash to buy bigger and bigger properties as I get more comfortable. 

The furniture is solid, nice, and comfortable.