I have gone through this mental exercise every time I have cash out refinanced and I always have come to the same conclusion.

You have to list and promote properties quickly this time of year.

Not allowed to promote your business like that here. 

He is a Lt in the local police department, his wife is a mental health counselor.

Sometimes a temperature is a mental thing.

Longer explanation: I've been in contact with someone at an attorneys office who is appointed by the courts to look after peoples estates that are no longer able to themselves and have no heirs (mentally ill, elderly, etc) We take a look at this property that has literal holes in the roof.

The next step is solidifying your mental state.

He had an employee mentality and he wanted me to pay him as he learned skills such as roofing, dry walling, etc.  

I would recommend changing your mentality about business relationships.What I mean by this is: the lender is probably not "full of ****" or "bsing you". 

Whether or not it's ugly/cute factor weighs into the appraisal likely depends on the mental game of whoever is doing the appraising.