laminate is less expensive and is more durable  some  of the go to brands are allure http://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER-Allure-6-...but I have used laminate from as low as $1.25 sq ft  

I am developer/rehabber so I try to look for something I can add to or fully gut and put everything brand new.

I am brand new to the idea of using real estate as investment.  

The concept is really intriguing and I am starting see start ups like Hub Haus and Common really brand themselves in the space.

IE wholesaling but that takes money and major sales skills.. and a market that has a lot of excess inventory and rental inventory.. it really depends on where your living and working.. all the guru training materials say just about the same thing there is nothing brand new .. just the same methods or schemes repackaged and regurgitated to enduce those who want it all now and are willing to pay for fast track.think MLM..

I am looking for recommendations on brand and size.

Many big box hardware stores will change the brands they carry literally every single year making it impossible to find what you had installed the year before.

In Indy I can get a brand new one installed for $275.

I feel that building a brand of integrity will help much more in the long run.

HI I purchased a home in a multi unit (R4), high density zone.I am currently renting the house cash flow is just $50 after mortgage payment.This house has a big workshop in the back with a high rise ceiling, brand new roof, electricity and water.It sets in a half an acre lot so I am able to rent the workshop and land for $700 a month Total cash flow on this property is $750 a monthI'd like to enclosed this workshop (it has 3 brick walls already built) and make it into a livable place.I can still rent the land and keep the cash flow at about the same amount ($700).However there's no sewer  at this house just 2 septic tanks attached to the main house.Workshop will need:windowsanother walldoorscooling and heating systemBathroom etc...I can build build more units attached to the current workshop since there's so much land to play with but i have no idea of the cost.I purchased this home for $150k in 2016I owe 143Klast month I paid for an appraisal and the current value is at $185(flooring was the only improvement at the house).Question is should I refinance and bring in sewer line, build more units or live it the way it is?