I have several interior rooms with no windows so she has somewhere to go if the windows blow in. 

To be very competitive and command the highest rates, it's very recommended to spend about 10-15% of your budget on a good designer who knows the short term rental space.

For example, an older home that is well built (structure wise) but needs a complete upgrade (interior remodel), and use the BRRR strategy. 

That system is just not designed for our nich no matter what some of the  course providers and mentors say.Peopl on the MLS usually want market value.

Please really study how much impact being unique/well designed can have. 

I'm unsure of your background but having skills in graphic, print, and web design would be huge to get an idea of what to do in an ever-changing field.

@Yin YangHi Yin,I’ve got a great GC/interior designer that I’ve worked with on three projects (one bathroom addition, two full gut jobs) in Sacramento area.

Yes my two plans are selling for 40k profit or rent with a decent cashflow (but as of right now i would have 10% or $40k locked into the deal if i rent)Its a 2009 1300 sq ft that only needs interior paint, kitchen paint, and fixtures.

There was a BP podcast where one technique was for the investor to get bids before purchase and then add those as line items to the HUD and get checks to the contractor issued at settlement (with the investor holding them until project starts or designated draw schedule).

Individuals who have received a CPA designation are trained in generally accepted accounting principles and best practices (including online tools).