This is a business, and it's an income stream for us so I don't take this component of the text lightly at all. 

Tell contractor to leave porch lights on.

1 light in each room, or recessed cans with dimmers?

I'm wondering if:a) Is this even possible assuming we do none of the work ourselves (not even changing a light bulb) during the phase we use the $ towards the rehab?

take not paying rent way too lightly.  

Can take the ferry to downtown, then hop a bus to MS campus--or light rail when that's done. :-) 

Upgraded HVAC, replaced some old leaking pipes in kitchen/ baths, minor electrical upgrades, light interior wall/ ceiling patching and additional Cypress and Japanese Maple trees to yard.

This is my first post and I hope someone can shed some light on my topic.

I used polish concrete floors, new soft close cabinetry, plumbing and lighting fixtures, designer tile in the kitchen and all bathrooms.

Simple things like replacing light fixtures or flooring can make a huge difference in property appeal.