Anything to make the home more functional or adding more storage space, is great too.

Practical items to care for are: loose hardware particularly on chairs, tables, or stools, a fresh coat of paint on walls and baseboards, loose drawers, fumigation, bed frames, new linen, loose ceiling fans, functional electrical outlets.

By that, I mean properties which are currently occupied (though maybe not fully) and generally functional, but which have room for improvement.

One thing to keep in mind is you are combining two different property types/classes that will have significantly differing valuations. 

I cashflow more than that on 3 properties I own, and owe about $110,000 combined.

Specifically, residential real estate has become both more functional and more emotional.

I recently did a complete demo for a 7500 SF space between three retail units and combined them into one coworking space.

Although #1 and #2 act separately, their combined impact can create an impression (or even an actual result) that "all losses are unlocked

Combining my experience as a guest in cabins with some knowledge as a manager of a few houses with them:1 - Patio. 

You'll want PM, conventional, or a combination to buy more RE.