First Rehab - Advice on small Kitchen Layout

[Shawn Patel]

Hello! I'm soon to be the proud owner of 2 homes. One has a lovely kitchen, the other...does not. It's lacking(see pictures!). So I may be in need of a kitchen redo/addition. Both will be rentals. I have attached images of the source kitchen and the target kitchen of a similar listed Rental in the area. My goal is to Section 8 these out. 

Relevant images: https://imgur.com/a/SEvTjR5

The most obvious need is a working area.

The issue is there's really no way of creating space for a working area without rearranging the layout or so I think. 

Key Information: 

- Two windows, low hanging. They're like two feet off the ground, no way to add a counter there without looking ugly/blocking significant areas of the window)

I'm probably going to remove the stove and fridge and replace them with stainless steel ones. 

My thoughts: 

Option One:

Cut into the left side of the pantry drywall, remove the door, and convert the area into a cubby for the fridge. Add a working area in the spot where the fridge previously was. Use spacious cabinets and/or add overhead cabinets in the working area to "replace" the amount of storage the pantry used to give. 

(may have to get a contractor to look at the wall. can't be a support wall right???) 

**typing this out made me realize this may be the best option. Advice/thoughts are still welcome!**

Option Two:

Add cabinets and floating countertops between the fridge and pantry. You'll have an excellent view while cutting your vegetables. 

Option Three:

Leave as is.

Any and all advice is welcome. Open to DIY'ing anything as I'm going to be painting the entire unit myself, and doing a bunch of other small things. 

Relevant Images: https://imgur.com/a/SEvTjR5

Thank you very much

For Context:

The other two rooms are the dining room and living room.

PSA: Yes the dining room has two closets in it...(highly debating demo'ing the wall for an open-style living room)