New flooring for rental unit

[Jignesh Patel]

Hello!  I have a 2 bedroom (3 story) condo that is needing new flooring in the living room area.  Layout is garage on 1st floor, living room/kitchen on 2nd floor, 2 bedrooms on 3rd floor.  There is carpet in all areas except in the kitchen and garage obviously.  Living room area is 239 sq ft and to do all the areas it would be 793 sq ft.  From the reading I've done in the forums it looks like vinyl plank is the way to go.  I'm looking to rent this unit long term, not looking to sell anytime soon.  My questions:

1.  Should I replace just the living room or the whole unit?  (bedroom carpets are in good condition)

2.  What is the average cost for the vinyl plank?  I got quotes from Home Depot starting at 2.99/sq ft (Allure), Lowes starting 1.98/sq ft(Shaw Matrix) and a local place that could do the Living room for $2109(with install) or whole unit ($3960).  Local place's prices seemed a bit high to me. 

3. Any brands from Lowes or Home Depot that you have had good experience with?

3. Is vinyl the way to go, or should I consider Laminate or Tile?

Thanks for your input I appreciate any feedback you can provide!

[John Warren]

@Jignesh Patel I am a big fan of the vinyl plank from home depot that uses the "grip strip". It runs about $1.75 per square foot, and my favorite color currently is khaki oak. I would only replace the parts that need to be replaced. If your carpet is still serviceable, leave it alone! There is always next turn.