Rental Grade Material Recommendations for Texas Rental house

[Miles Stanley]

Hi all,

I'm getting some prelim rehab estimates for a rental house I'm trying to buy and i had some questions about material grades specific to my area/state.

Flooring - i want durable/tenant-resistant but cost effective.  i was thinking ceramic tile throughout, but my contractor recommended the vinyl wood-looking flooring.  Said it was cheaper than tile and durable to boot.  Don't have experience with it, but I'm worried if the TX sun beats down on it daily through a window that the adhesive might eventually give and the tile planks might pop over time...any thoughts?  I might be paranoid here...

Countertops - I'm thinking formica/laminate in kitchen and bathrooms.  my neighborhood doesn't support granite...again going for durable and cost effective.

Paneling - the living room has paneling and i was thinking about just painting over it and not risking pulling it down and opening the pandora's box that MAY lie beneath.  Anyone had satisfactory results here?

Ceiling fans - thinking about just putting 1 fan in the living room and just lighting in other rooms...are fans expected these days?  again, Texas...i couldn't live without my fans, but that's my pref

Lawn - grass in front and back is sparse/weedy...is it worth it to reseed/overseed or just let it be?

Added exterior room - previous owner built on a small exterior room that isn't duct'ed for AC or anything, but would make a nice little storage room.  Isn't finished out with sheetrock or anything either, just basic plywood...may or may not be insulated.  Should i just leave this room alone or bother sprucing it up?  maybe just flooring??  Pics below...

THANKS!

Good night...