Paint an exterior for $5k, install an interior French drain and sump pump for $5k ect.

I did have to paint the entire interior of the house (the color was not renter friendly) and install a washer, dryer, and refrigerator.

Each unit has 800 sf of flooring, brand new today.  800*16= 12800 sf of flooring @ $6 sf for flooring and install=$76800/8 year life span/12 months in a year=$800 per month in floor capex.

With materials and installation it cost $6 sf in my area. you have 6000 sf of flooring. 6000*$6=$36000/8= $4500 yearly for floor capex vs your $1500 reserves.

I don’t mind the place being improved but and I have no reason to believe he would do a bad job, but I also don’t want to risk him causing damage or installing something improperly.

So many of them appear to also be plastic painted to look like metal.Anyone gone through something similar and happy w/what you installed?

My parents are interested in having a solar company install panels in their home, especially since the company may upgrade their electrical in the process.

But that's not to say for example someone steals the windows they just installed. 

It only takes about 5 min to install and only involves low voltage wiring however you don't want the tenant taking it off when they move out and letting the doorbell wiring fall into the wall.

I’d install a kitchenette.