I ceramic tile the entire place and some I went up with tile on the tub surround.

We use Travertine from Home Depot at $2/ sq ft, install ourselves, and get an instant high-end look for the same price as ceramic. 

For a bathroom floor, ceramic tile is much better than laminate because water won't hurt it.

I am installing a fiberglass shower pan with ceramic tile on the walls.   

Ceramic top cook tops or ranges may look nice, but they are not tenant friendly or easy/cheap to fix when the top is cracked.

Ceramic tile is an option but probable the highest cost.  

There are so many options out there too, including floating ceramic tile.Not only is it great for rehab and DIY, these are great choices when a person or market like to change styles often.

Play around with the spacing until you like the light level, and then order more if you need to.If you're trying to do the real low dough show, at least put in a few more regular round junction boxes, put the classic ceramic lampholder on them, and wire them to the existing light circuit... pull chains or wall switches to taste.  

I don't care what family handyman says, no way would I put ceramic tile on top of ceramic tile.

Despite my job and good education, MBA from a well known school I've done roofs, installed piers under a cracked slab, added a couple of half baths-doing all plumbing myself, installed more ceramic tile floors than I care to count, etc.Either learn some estimating and construction skills or look for projects that will create a major payoff from small changes.You're doing great, keep it up.