The principles you highlighted are truly timeless and still form the foundation of solid personal finance today.

You need consistency.A hybrid approach (often best)Many out-of-state owners do this:Pay for leasing only (flat fee or partial month)Self-manage ongoing operationsThis removes the riskiest phase while keeping long-term costs down.The honest trade-offProperty manager = less time, less control, higher costSelf-manage = more control, more learning, more responsibilityFor a first deal, the question isn’t “what’s cheaper,” it’s:What protects me from one bad tenant decision?

Black/White style like you have now is timeless, but it's generally a cold look to guests.

While the fundamentals of hard work, integrity, and consistency remain timeless, the tools, platforms, and strategies required to succeed today are very different from what many may have learned in previous decades. 

It is timeless.

For that, The Richest Man in Babylon is a classic — it lays out timeless lessons on saving, investing, and managing money.

Rent appreciation notches it up n up over time. 

I mostly agree on design, there are ways to have a timeless design.

I wouldn't suggest to start with a gut to the studs type remodel, but be willing to put sweat equity into painting, updating light fixtures, updating hardware, ie making things more current/timeless.

These shades can create a bright and airy atmosphere and will complement a variety of furniture styles and decor.For the cabinets, a classic white or a soft cream can provide a clean, timeless appeal.