So in reality, it is much darker in lighting.

The states with the better deals get the darker colours. 

It's a map showing the rent to price ratios (1% rule) for Sioux City Iowa.I would concentrate my search on the darker areas, these will yield properties that meet the 1% rule more often. 

Porch light in bedroom--pull down the shades? 

I use HD gold status Behr 200 premium eggshell interior gloss trim and its not always 1 size fits all but typically I stick to light grey brown pastels for walls and darker comp color for trim or white I like to paint ceiling same color as walls lets the crown molding pop more

Multi-shaded carpets will not work for the tenant segment we target.The cost of light commercial-grade nylon carpet is not much more than big box nylon.

I think color needs to come down to lighting and space, the darker the cabinet in a smaller, not so well lit kitchen is going to make the kitchen appear smaller while white or light color cabinets will reflect more light and hopefully have the opposite effect.

I've started constructing a low-level deck in our backyard that encircles a beautiful shade tree.

The darker option you are considering would be fine IMO.

Personally I prefer the darker color, but in a small space I might go with a lighter color.