I also did LED lighting, and looked for efficient appliances, installed a nest thermostat and water sense fixtures, one of the bigger things I did to start was remove and update some of the lead piping in the home and install a whole house water filtration system since the supply lines from the city are still lead.

I am adding one factor that wasn't hit on: cap rates are effected by supply/demand dynamics and capital markets.  

Low housing supply in our local area was a big factor.

For the washer and dryer though I have tenants supply their own unless they need a specific dimension or something along those lines. 

While shopping for renovation supplies and ideas I've come across many smart reno hacks that balance quality, and price well.

Let them get to know you in their way:  Supply last three tax returns. 

Low supply of homes compared to demand - under 200 homes for sale right now in a market of over 500,000 people.3.

However, supply is so low relative to demand where I'm building that we've (several times) had buyers come in with extra cash to make it work regardless.

I live in the Leesburg, VA area and this area is on the higher side for real estate, but with low rates and the limited supply for the foreseeable future you should be fine.

Do things like get a monthly house cleaner and consider getting communal supplies (toilet paper, soap, etc.) delivered to the house monthly.