I am not a big carpet fan generally and products like LVT are becoming consensus favorites of DIY landlords (for ease of installation, durability, cost, etc).But one possible exception could be an upstairs unit with poor sound proofing.If you already hear complaints from existing carpet, it may continue or increase with laminate or possibly even a resilient surface (but see more below).My best hack for the upstairs in confronting some ugly carpet if you like laminate1) Look into a sound proofing underlayment (I have used Floor Muffler, pricey but have not gotten many complaints from downstairs, but upstairs tenant is quiet type...Others products are on the market.

Chapel Hill exhibited its unique resilience during the 2008-2010 market as many of our properties maintained their value.

If I'm out of pocket only a couple of grand a year (still with a positive cash flow on paper) then I'd feel more comfortable and resilient, but the numbers I give above aren't that far-fetched in the hot market today even putting 20% down. 

I believe it may be more resilient as the epicenter of canada seems to be here. 

Perimeter space is the most valuable and it's being used for lower value features.The party walls can be insulated with either cement block or staggered studs with double drywall and resilient channel.

I admire your resilience.

If the asset is low in value just hold on to it until it appreciates. after living and working my career through the mid late 70s bad economy.. the uber interest rates of the 80s along with the S and L crisis.the recession/depression of 89 to 92 in CA  the dot com burst of 2000  the mother of all the great GFC what I see is real estate resilience and ability to come roaring back.. 

There is something to be for the resilience of values here.

My  question would be how could we as investors, help make the communities we invest in more resilient to natural disasters.

I can see this being quite resilient in this market.