Curb appeal matters when selling real estate.So that's how I tend to look at that stuff, not so much in terms of a hard ROI number, but in terms of vacancy and if it will meaningfully affect resale.

I spent everything I had in 2014 and anticipated spending 2015 fixing up the properties I purchased and boosting rents.

None of the homes in the area have hot tubs, so I'm thinking adding one and providing firewood for the fireplace will boost weekend/holiday performance in the winter months. 

In terms of areas to invest, the north side of town has been growing like mad and the downtown revitalization project has also done a lot to boost property value but then they may not be greatest deals.  

I checked out the basement - only 1 entrance. 2nd "exit" is to a backyard that has no access to the curb since it's a fully attached property.

There is also a FICO boost when you have 5 cards, but only after you've had them for 2 years.

At that rate, I'm still making more than renting each side individually, plus it's helping boost my occupancy numbers- we'll see how it goes...

Single family homes rent quickly there if you have a quality product, not as much brick there as Detroit so not quite the same curb appeal but strong rentals nonetheless.

Curb appeal = very important. 

Also state in the agreement that there will be no trash left in the house / yard / or at the curb and the house will be broom clean.