My husband had a major surgery.

Those are all interesting options and ideas.I personally would buy a condo / townhome in Mountain View that needs updating to live in and buy a cosmetic fixer in the place you believe you will be moving to, rent it out, then fix it up before you move there. 

We are looking for turnkey or cosmetic rehab.

I was told nothing except cosmetic things, like carpet and painting. 

They are valued almost exactly the same give or take the cost of the cosmetic repairs.  

About 5 ago, my wife had a life-threatening medical problem and required major surgery.

This is how we do it for a typical project that is pretty much a cosmetic overhaul:Our main crew (who all work for the same company) are generally the first on the job, and for the first several days, they do demo, exterior repairs (siding, trim, gutters, soffit/fascia), interior repairs (sheetrock repairs, doors, etc), and then paint the entire interior and exterior.

Since living there theyve asked for a few necessary items and a couple of cosmetic items later on.

Normally a home prior to going retail with a realtor has work/repairs to be completed even if cosmetic to get maximum retail value which most motivated sellers don’t care to do.

I believe they sell these kits right next to the "Perform Surgery on Yourself" kits.