For instance within 12 months of purchase I want to have all the exterior maintenance and curb appeal completed as well as the renovations in the unit I live in completed.

I had a tenant who "generously" told me (leaving owing me a months rent) that he left me one of those stupid barbecue grills along with a really heavy headboard (no foot board), a large and broken set of bedroom drawers and a TV table also broken down.I was supposed to be grateful that I had to haul this crap to the curb all because it wouldn't fit into his U-Haul.About the only entertainment with all of this is that the rental is in a neighborhood where folks come by and pick up this stuff like vultures picking over dead bodies. 

Something for a few months to boost the cash reserves and reduce debts.

Curb appeal means very little to me now that I've learned a little on this site ;)

This not only provides a psychological boost (who wants to lose money?)

@Seth Rouch The trash would just have to be put out on the curb on Sunday evenings?

A microcosm example is with the announcement that Amazon is boosting all employees to $15 per hour, and giving a $1 per hr raise to those making $15 or more. 

The 15-20% discount I'm searching for will give me a 50% boost in cash flow.

It will take time and it sux, cuz I want it now..which is the impulse I have to curb so I dont get in over my head.

Accessing the equity in one of my rentals would give me the boost I need to add to my portfolio.