Homes in the two cities we're looking into (Pembroke Pines & Cooper City) are still well into $400K+ category, but there's this home that's up for sale that's listed for in a neighborhood that my wife and I like.

Hi Carl,Apparently the surface finish used and the wood beneath were not up the harder use that a rental will get, (as opposed to homeowners own home lovingly cared for).For instance Beech is a lot harder than pine, and would probably take a very heavy animal to dent it by walking on it.Also the topcoats have different levels of hardness, some of the more noxious ones are said to be harder to scratch.You may have (or may not have) tried to use a passenger vehicle where more of a heavy duty truck was needed, making the passenger vehicle wear more. 

I am new to handling renovations, and was hoping for some advice regarding the estimate I got for my next project. 
My current contractor has completed two jobs for me in the past, and overall does good quality work ...

Quote from @Avery Carl: almost all the new constructions now have lighter stainsthe pine T&G darkens over time.  

The older houses were built with Florida pine which is hard as a rock and won't take a nail without drilling.

We purchased and remodeled a home in Sunriver, OR a few years back, built a spec house in Three Rivers, and remodeled a manufactured home on an acre in La Pine.

The second photo shows pine like yours with a pickling stain.3.

You can go on to pine tree legal web page for eviction process.

One is a Thomasville Americana series the other is a custom pine bed made in the 40's by a local craftsman.

Lots of shiny pine wood, no sheet rock inside, bear decor everywhere.