We then heard he installed old fluorescent lighting ballasts (from a garage sale) in his own basement & it caused a fire.

It was done by a X-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF) instrument.  

For faux stainless, we pay under $1500 for frige, range, dishwasher and microwave- Replace all the light fixtures (no fluorescents) and plumbing fixtures and make sure they all match- Replace all the outlets, switches and cover plates with new white ones- Put mini-blinds on all the windows

In all, I spent $20 on copying and fluorescent yellow cardstock and a few hours walking the neighborhood.

Heck, the agent probably couldn't be 100% sure, but the basement had all it's windows blacked out, blacked walls, fluorescent lights, security cameras around the property (this was in a very nice neighborhood), and a weird Purple Light at the front door.Oh, and another tip, besides doubling checking the disclosure forms, always put them online!!! 

Worn flapper or fill valve in toilet, replacing a faucet cartridge, replacing CH/A filters, change fluorescent ballast, adjust screen doors and windows, flush hot water tank, replace faulty breakers, replace a circulation fan in a refridgerator, replace agitator dogs in a washer, change heating element or ignitor in an electric or gas clothes dryer, lubricating a ceiling fan, replace a p trap under any sink, replace any wind blown shingles, change any thermocouple in a gas appliance, do simple 110v flux core welding, do pvc/copper/pex/galv. plumbing, etc.If you don't know how to do those things yourself, someone else is going to make money off of you.  

The kits include compact fluorescent light bulbs of various wattages, LED night lights, smart power strip, whistle that attaches to your HVAC air filter and alerts you when it's time to change the filter, low flow shower heads, dryer vent cleaning brush, water temperature thermometer, refrigerator thermometer, weatherstripping, caulking, foam pipe insulators, window film, rain gauges, etc.

Most people dislike fluorescent lights in a kitchen; I would try to put a couple of decent recessed halo units in.

The rehab would include but not be limited to- Carpet removalRemoval of fluorescent lights and replacing with LED domes Patch and repair minor drywallreplace doorInstall ceiling fanPrime and paintbuild closets in 2 bedroomsplace laminate flooring throughout unit kitchen flooringinstall kitchenbathroom- shower, flooring, paintThanks for any suggestions you may have! 

As a side benefit, whoever pays for water heating will also save money there as less water will need to be heated.Hey, while you're at it- make sure you have LEDs instead of incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs in the common areas.