It's on the larger side for the rental market in town and would probably command about $3200/mo gross rent.

Is it worth the cost and how much more $ will I command?

When/if you go to sell it, you won't have anything to hide, meaning it can be appraised as a 3-unit, possibly commanding a higher price. 

A "nicer" unit might command a slight increase in rent, but not a 33% increase from $525 up to $700.What you should hope for in providing a cleaner and nicer unit in such a neighborhood is a smaller increase in rent, but more importantly you should be able to choose a better quality tenant. 

In Augusta, we have a military base, cyber command, 5 hospitals, medical college, university, and major industry and manufacturing.  

The rents posted are way way higher than the areas command.  

My partner and I are new REI's since 2018 who have employed the principles of the BRRRR method commanding 5 doors valued about $750k plus one door with projected ARV of about $250k by '23Q1 and one other door bought in a tax sale but currently locked in litigation.

It seems like offering this could be a good way to differentiate yourself, and command a higher rent - but the costs may outweigh this.One other concern I have is that, if I needed to use a property manager if I'm not in the area to self-manage, the management fees needed to get the place rented twice a year would really stack up.Appreciate any opinions/experiences people have with this kind of strategy.Thanks,Mike

Population growth is just one factor to consider; another would be rent demand and commanding prices in the market. 

@Rajiv BmI am a real estate agent and investor in the Houston market.Katy, Cypress, Spring, some parts of Houston, Conroe, Tomball, Pearland are great markets.Rent growth and appreciation is steady.These cities tend to command quality tenants, and they have great schools.Good Luck!