I bought SFR under 20 years old in a market with no damaging weather, stucco siding, and tile roofs for basically zero exterior maintenance.

What a strange concept, I thought.But in my research I am now wondering what some experts might think about.....what I'm thinking....Ok, so if I finance a conventional mortgage (conventional as in amortizing), the principle adds a substantial amount of cost to my monthly payment. 

Just the basics provided by the hosting company or something more?

It'll be hard to find a seller who will be willing to vacate a paying tenant prior to closing for the reasons already laid out above: basically if you back out for any reason during the contract period whether by choice or for reasons beyond your control, then the seller is stuck with a vacant unit and no income until they find a different buyer or a new tenant.

Generic rentals with basic décor—think standard furniture from big-box stores and uninspired kitchens or bathrooms—are starting to phase out.

Well, basically everything!

Quote from @Melissa Wilson: Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability.

The goal is speed + recycling capital, not hitting a “perfect product” on Day 1.A house doesn’t need to be fully modernized to get a strong appraisal, especially if structural, mechanical, and cosmetic basics are already improved.3.

They've had basic feature and usability requests (e.g. auto-split transaction, create category rules, split in mobile app, etc.) on their "wishlist" for years with zero movement, communication, or transparency.

Think “hotel-clean, home-comfortable.”You’re basically doing what most landlords should do: small, thoughtful improvements that make the tenant actually want to stay longer and pay a little more.