Paying to get in the right rooms can be game changing, but as you acknowledged you have to take it on yourself to make it worth your while.As for your question, it was pretty confusing.

I’m collaborating with an investor who can help cover the remaining balance, but since the property isn’t in the best shape, and maybe fairly priced, but I’m evaluating how much room I might have to negotiate.

For extra context, after much back and forth, they stated that the total cost includes “the charge of the replacement purchase and labor to install it,” which seems just vague enough to imply it’s for just the microwave and install, but also allows them some wiggle room to add a fee in case we get an actual receipt and catch them in a lie (which we did)…

Not a ton of flipping compared to previous years, other strategy I'm seeing is STR's or rent by the room/padsplits. 

I'm from Grand Junction Colorado.

Also Pure White can tend to look “dirty” in rooms with less natural light. 

I rented it by the room but then converted to a STR in Nov 2023.

Make sure you leave room for an oversized refrigerator space and a dishwasher.

It's hard to give an answer without knowing your tenants, how many of them there are, what amenities are in the area, and more.If you had 10+ tiny apartments, a game room or fitness area may be attractive.

No wiggle room.