I love brick buildings, very little maintenance and durable. 

Would be great to hear what type of mattress people have used that show the comfort to fit “luxury” category and have the durability needed for STR.

I'd like to add that as you rehab and replace items on the maintenance list to research durable materials to build and upgrade with and supplies to help make your place last longer like cabinet conditioner and tile sealer, deck/patio refinish etc; also pay the extra dollar for quality.

Looking for durable, low maintenance, but cost effective as well (like everyone else right?).  

Should I care more about durability than looks in hardened C-class rentals?

I am his general durable POA.

Either engineered hardwood or LVT is the most durable other than ceramic. 

The visuals and durability of LVT products in general have gotten so much better so quickly.

The 8mm does look durable and is probably warmer.

Water based has its uses - it goes down and dries really fast (you can do half a dozen coats in a couple of days) and it's almost odorless, but it needs a whole lot of coats to be anywhere near as durable as oil-based and it is a lot harder to work with, i.e. keeping a wet edge, spreading evenly without leaving puddles and missed areas, etc.