I was cash strapped for about a year or two, but worth it in the end and would totally do it again.

Having a cleaner drop it off at a laundry mat and pick up at a later date for a cheaper per pound cost just adds more labor / steps of complexity to the process.You can add two night stay minums to reduce your cleaning and laundry costs but it drives away your opportunity for big one night pay days.

Also I use Gorilla Mats from Amazon in the bathroom and kitchen underneath the sinks.

If you put a mat down to soak up water and the mat slips and the tenant falls is that your fault?

They asked if I could buy a tub mat because the tub was more slick than they were used to and were afraid of a fall etc.

I like walking in the woods or at the beach but the WA weather doesn't always make that enjoyable so some dumbbells, exercise mat, treadmill and rowing machine are great for winter.

I’ve looked up any floor materials like those connectable floor mats and thick rugs.

Or finish the basement, rent the house and be strapped for cash for a bit? 

Rates are high and certain buyers are strapped for cash so expect to be asked for down payment assistance.  

Feel free to reach out if you've got more questions down the road.Cheers,Mat