I will be doing simple maintenance, also painting with flat latex and a paint gun (same colors) but have lined up a maintenance guy who does bigger stuff and was recommended by a friend.

Simple thought, but another way to look at your scenario.

If he sees that you are strictly interested in price, he may expect you will keep things as simple as possible to justify the lower price.

If you have siblings who don't "have time" to be involved but feel they are being left out, it becomes more complicated.Keep things headed towards relatively simple easy to understand investments.

Just keep it simple for a while until you get some experience  today.Try to stay in control in those things you've are resposible for.  

Thanks Doug, 25 years ago when I was actively buying I simple used a 12% cap rate when evaluating a properties. 

I say embrace them, and maybe find other simple ways to make the space feel more contemporary.

Is it as simple as that?

Housing in high demand areas of our metro area will make you a lot of money based on the simple economic forces of supply and demand.

Simple, huh?