Small apartment paint brand/color.

[Pamela D Williams]

We bought 3 duplexes earlier this year, and I've just had my first tenant move out. After multiple visits by pest control to treat for roaches, (another story) it's time to paint. Do y'all have a favorite, go-to brand of paint and color? I want to do the whole apartment in the same color. (It's only a 1-bedroom.) Thanks!

[Andrew Korver]

I can offer a bit of advice here as paint is my profession.  Make sure to ask your local paint store/dealer to set up a "Pro" account for you.  This will accomplish two things.  First and foremost, it will allow them to save your color/product info in their system so you can order those pesky touch up gallons down the road.  Second, paint pricing is often very fluid if you are buying from the "non big-box" locations.  Explain to the store manager that you are an investor and intend to buy all of your paint and supplies from them long-term.  Ask them to recommend something at the top end of the professional line that is easy to brush and roll.  Avoid the high-end retail paints as you are paying a premium for "bells and whistles" that most investors will not see a return for (we paint more often).   Never go flat on anything other than ceilings!  Even a basic Low-Sheen or Satin finish will offer decent wash-ability.