Cosmetic rehab- paint, backsplash, landscaping What was the outcome?

-Location, -Ability to push equity via cosmetic repair and maintenance-Cash flow.

Am I obligated to fix this since it is cosmetic? 

Renovated the basement and other cosmetic updates, paint, new light fixtures.

I'm considering two options for my first STR that I will own (I already do STR arbitrage and management so I'm not a total newbie)  (1) Buying a "buildable lot" then contracting with a builder to build an STR (2) Acquiring a "Decent house" that needs light cosmetic work and then converting over to an STR For context, I have limited experience in construction, so work will be done through GC/contractors either way. 

An example of the Polk county rental market, a triplex I am currently wholesaleing in Lake Hamliton (just East of Lake Wales) I have it at 45k and gross rent is $1,350 and it needs a roof and a little cosmetic work.  

Are you looking for a full gut rehab or simply cosmetic?

The HOA is planning a special assessment of over 50K per unit for major repairs ( some of them cosmetic).

I decided to cosmetically update the home this year once the long term tenants moved out.

We're doing a full cosmetic on a 2/1.5- bi level on a hill that allows basement to open to the back yard.