In an un-official retirement community (almost all houses 2bd/2ba, around 1k sq ft, quite a few of these outside Atlanta). estimated rent is around $1650. house does not need any updates, looks in very good condition. low HOA ($40/month) that pays for outside landscaping. 

We have done a lot of work to the place, including a new electrical panel, replacing some questionable wiring, adding a second washer/dryer, some updated flooring, new interior paint, replacing several fixtures and updates to the exterior staircase and landscaping.

I eventually would like to own my own business again & have a diverse reinstate portfolio.

.)- improve what stands out cosmetically the most, focus on large things like walls, floors, garage door, exterior etc- improve landscaping, cut, trim, fertilize and water everything around the house- focus on kitchen and living room- leave smaller and secondary issues to the buyer- clean!

In those cases, you have to include utilities in the rent or pass the cost on to them each month.Tenants also take responsibility for ordinary landscaping, replacing light bulbs or smoke detector batteries, hauling off trash, and other responsibilities of an ordinary occupant. 

I always included snow removal and landscaping in my leases.

You’ll be hiring a landscaper to cut grass and take care of plants. 

The key to making it work however is to invest in markets with growing populations, growing jobs and modern/diverse economies and industries.

New 35-years shingle roof, Freshly painted, New Electrical Fixtures, New Kitchen, Update Bathrooms, New Water proof vinyl flooring, new garage door, new AC, Updated Electrical Panel, New Water Heater, Foundation repair, landscaping etc.What was the outcome?

Through cleaning the siding of the duplexes, painting and landscaping.