They’re easy to install and, while not perfect, they’ll make a noticeable difference.

You want to make sure they are properly installed and you don't want tenants moving large appliances in and out of the house as it will cause damage. 

Island. nothing installed in your island. 

When the installers came they should have said, nope, this can’t be done.

Does anyone have a good effective 3rd party mailing company to send mailers direct to seller?

In the end, it would have made more sense to hire a couple handymen for a week or two than me spending 3 weeks installing flooring, base and case.

Third, the typical person renting a room is not a home buyer candidate. 

Converting an unfinished basement into a third unit can definitely add value, especially here in Chicago.

Consider getting a statement signed by all parties which states that everyone has agreed to terminate the current lease early on X date and all obligations by all parties have been paid in full and that the deposit will be kept by the landlord and will be applied to the new lease. 

It's not illegal provided you're dislosing it to all parties and not trying to actively hid it.