You'll have to do the math or ask a mortgage broker.But let's say my assumption is incorrect and that you could tap the full $200K equity at cash-flow neutral and DTI isn't a problem.

If the house is a neutral color (such as white or beige), a contrasting color for the door would make it stand out (such as red). 

That’s where the cash flow comes into play, if this property was cash flowing $0 to some positive number a month the fluctuations in price would be easier to swallow as the investment would still be cost neutral or making money and it would be less painful to wait for the upswing in the market you would be looking for to sell and make your gains.Just my two cents

The ceiling would be painted white, and the walls could be painted all one colour including the trim, or two colours, perhaps with the walls painted a neutral colour and the trim painted in semi-gloss white.The second option would be to knock down the stucco and plaster it smooth, then paint it, leaving the trim where it is.

And like many am considering a 3.5-5% FHA loan for a two or three family to at least neutralize cost of living and perhaps create some cashflow, although that seems difficult in my area.

Judiciary is different than government .. they are suppose to be neutral

That carpet has to be replaced now and the few carpet people I spoke with all told me to keep it simple and just use the same carpet I'm planning to use in the bedrooms (Shaw Full Court) - it's your regular, neutral carpet that may be a step above builder grade, but that's about it. 

We did the interior of our own home LFG but have done rentals with the Agreeable grey where we looking for something more “neutral” between grey and beige.

Try this... build a much larger column base at the same height as the bottom of the stone, maybe tapered (bigger at the bottom) and made from a similar stone, with a much larger column (easily built onto the existing post) resting on top.Find a NATURAL, neutral-colored, plain stone or slate, and tile the raised concrete stoop.Paint the entry door a deep, very rich color that complements the brick.Then, the gable on the right with round-butt shingles (I think) needs a lighter color, maybe even a bit bright to complement both the brick and the entry door, since it extends over the stoop.Finally, taller greenery under the stone with a lower front level of varying texture and color (especially around the entry) will result in the stone being much less prominent.

I own a condo in Arlington that breaks even every month - I'm keeping it because it's in such a desirable area and has appreciated significantly in value since I bought it.So, in the more desirable, high-priced areas, it is harder for a monthly cash flow (probably staying neutral), but the money is made in the value of the property.