I'm sure you will run into situations where you need an expert so have help on deck but demo, painting, dry wall repairs, easy stuff can be done by you!

You could save tons simply staining/sealing floors and painting.  

I posted my rental ad on multiple platforms (zillow, trulia, zumper, craigslist, apartments.com) and set the rate about 10% higher than the market with the intention to lower it gradually and also my unit is freshly renovated and nicer than the comps.

If you have $25K to put to use, best to use it on kitchen/bathroom remodels, landscaping, fresh paint, hardwood or similar floors instead of carpet, etc.

In the event of termination by Tenant prior to completion of the original term of the Agreement, Tenant shall also be responsible for lost Rent, rental commissions, advertising expenses and painting costs necessary to ready premises for re-rental.

We were able to come in with fresh eyes and made the house look pretty again!!!

Added new fans to the bedrooms, new paint, new dishwashers and cleaned up the building/lot.

It can be you friend on the purchase negotiations, just like cat pea and lead paint.

I focused on the three things people see when first walking in to a home (in my opinoin) and that is -Flooring -Kitchen-Exterior paintI Installed new flooring and paint the cabinets with new hardware.

She bought three cans of paint and put them on the porch and left.