Investors who maintain the property between tenants will typically save more when it comes time to sell.  I know investors who do a mandatory walk-through on their properties every six months in order to protect their investments.  ROI is determined when you sell so the market season will dictate.  Kitchens, floors and fresh paint seem to be the main attractions. 

If the inside is a wreck who cares about landscaping! Carpet, paint - make sure the place looks updated.

I can't believe when investors want top $$ & they haven't done anything to the place in 15 years. I tell them they have to minimally update the place & they are confused. You haven't done ANYTHING in how long?

Chiming in with Mary Yonkers on this.  Paint and a good cleaning service for sure.  Sprucing up the landscaping for curb appeal is often a great investment too.  

Paint, landscaping and good cleaning service.  

Paint and carpeting

I think it would depend on what the home looks like.

Depends on the house.  The biggest bang for the buck comes from kitchen and baths.  If those are up to date, then paint and looking fresh.  Landscaping should be neat and maintained, don't waste money on planting things.

I agree with the answers given. Cleaning, Paint, Flooring, Landscaping, and updating Kitchens and Baths. Each house is different and may need some or all of these things.

Depends. May only need cleaning, paint and landscaping. Updates to kitchen and bath(s)

updated kitchens and bathrooms..... 

KITCHEN & Baths

Question for you first?  Is this going to be marketed as a rental or owner occupied?  If for rental I agree with you.  If you want to get more money, you may want to add floor coverings and some updates in kitchen and bath.

We agree with Kenneth J. Jones 

I agree with your two and say it also depends on your market as to what works best. Granite counters in the kitchen have come down in price and still has a wow factor when used in lower priced homes.

Paint, carpet and appliances.

Paint and new carpet.

I think it is always, roof, windows, siding, kitchen and bath

Paint, landscaping and a cleaning are good basics to start with!

parked and reading

Depends on age and comdition of property. Paint is almost always a good investment ( if you use neutral colors). Carpet and cleaning inside and out.

 I would agree w/ Mary on fresh paint, cleaning service and perhaps a bit of landscaping (assuming that it's a major issue blocking entrance and can be fixed/cut down for very low cost)..  If there is hardwood under the carpet, by all means rip up the carpet and refinish the wood.

Paint and landscaping are important, but the best investment may be different for every home.