A new countertop, but not granite for middle class tenantsIn our experience, middle class people who go to work every day just want to come home to a nice clean home in a good neighborhood that is quiet. 

Let me list what you may have to update, fix, or replace:1) Roof2) Paint (inside, maybe exterior too)3) Garbage Disposal4) Carpet5) Hardwood refinishing6) Ceiling Fans/Fixtures7) Garage Opener8) Door Sweeps and weather stripping9) Countertops depending on material and abuse 10) Cabinet hardware, touch up if they are nicked, scratched11) Appliances (plus repairs when they come up)12) Drains may clog13) Periodic Caulking inside and out14) Possible gutter cleaning15) Air Conditioning and/or heating system16) Pest Control17) Turnover Costs between tenants (power, water, time expenses, handyman expenses, cleaning crew potentially18) Bathroom Exhaust Vents19) Electrical Outlets sometimes have connections burn off (repair expense)20) lock changes between tenants21) Updating of unit to keep it marketable22) all others as this list is not all inclusive.

Laminate floors and countertops.

If you install nice carpet and corian countertops, you'll lose your shirt.

Replace kitchen & bath countertops with either quartz or granite (remove existing tile)4.

.$3000 is due upon the completion of refinishing hardwood floor $12000 is due upon the completion of the tile wall and floor installation in the bathroom and installing kitchen cabinets countertop $7500 is due upon the completion of building the storage house in back yard with most of the landscape work prepared or done.$4000 is due upon the completion of the interior and exterior paint.$3500 is due upon passing city final permit inspections. balance of $3000 is due upon the completion punch list

She was very happy to do so.That's a good idea.I would imagine that some upgrades, like carpeting, wood floors, or even laminate countertops don't get replaced mid-way through because they'll get worn before the next new tenant.

., and then choose cabinets, countertops, and flooring based on what remains in the budget.

(in the kitchen, there is actually no flooring, missing ceiling drywall, and no countertops) So current value is around $250k to $270k.

Good Boogly Woogly, if we found an inexpensive way to do this with your rental units. . .We could start a revolution, like granite countertops!