Maybe a day or 2 of electrical work and then some drywall patching and painting.

Where is property, what's price point -- no granite nowadays, go with Caesarstone (or Corinthian) -- less than marble but a little more than granite -- don't get granite -- not so hot anymore; change cabinets; open kitchen; LESS rooms is desired -- if you have formal living and dining and separate kitchen, see if the architect will let you tear down all these walls. .All you want is a GREAT ROOM with kitchen, living, dining, separate bedrooms -- AND MAYBE -- if you have room, a home office/den/office (no windows needed).... appliances -- Viking/Wolf will do -- no need to go to Miele or Gaggenau for middle of the road.Fresh coat of paint of course.

Painting almost complete3.  

That means paint and flooring are done appliances are in.

It is in the process of getting a new roof and exterior paint due to a hail storm last summer (putting that insurance policy to work).

Could use a fresh coat of paint and some gardening. 

Not planning for the big cash expenses like roof, windows, siding, decking, exterior painting, lead paint abatement...Every few years I got surprised with a new $5,000-$45,000 improvement.

My thoughts are you could get a place that only needs small improvements, carpet, paint, maybe windows, etc.

References too of course, but those interactions from the phone call to meeting them in person really paints that picture more clearly.  ** Where do you find the hidden red flags?

They'll replace the roofs, paint, etc when needed (IF they managed their funds properly).