It certainly wasn't cheap but I picked a very short term for the policy.

Are there any that are relatively cheap and easy to set up that you can control with a iphone/ smartphone?

Refinishing hardwood and tile might be 2-4/sqft labor plus the cost of the tile or the cost of the polyurethane/stain/sandpaper.I usually do flooring myself and go with laminate because it's cheap (.39-.89/sqft), fast and easy to install, looks nice, and is durable. 

There are a myriad of middle men in the industry and no doubt you will get some PM's from those that lurk on BP for buyers.I wrote an e book on the do's and don'ts of investing in the mid west cash flow markets that I am happy to send your way just send me a pm with your e mail.bottom line is you get what you pay for.. especially in the bigger cities. buy the nicest you can.. the properties that are super cheap with high advertised returns are just that advertisements.when buying through an agent in LA they are making a fee that you pay for on top of the home so as long as you think your getting value..

Should be pretty cheap and will be a good mix of modern and retro on the inside.

Lets assume I will begin with smaller cheap starter homes. 

These are cheap, plastic things that some plumbers say may fail.Ammonia was often used in plaster work back in the day both for the plaster for walls and for moldings. 

But IDK Denver in person so this is my Cali speculation at best and compared still dirt cheap.

An easy and cheap way is to just have them Quit Claim the property to you then you pick up the payments.

1. cut that tree. especially if it's close to the house.2. seed it3. or sod itthose options are so cheap, almost a shame to not do it. remember, the condition of the WHOLE property will command what type of tenant you get.