Replacing Carpets: Hardwood, laminent, something else?

[Shea Stringert]

I read in thread that someone was able to replace one room with tile for a cheaper cost than carpet due to all costs associated including labor.

My question is to the rehabbers and flippers on what they find to be the best bang for their buck. Obviously hardwood is in now but is there a cheap way of making it look nice that isn't going to wear away after 1-2 years? I've heard hardwood laminent can look just as nice, last just as long, and is a lot cheaper but putting it out there to the BP group to hear your real life stories!