It can be hit or miss on what is available on any given day but I often see really nice tile (floor and wall) that would probably be great in small bathrooms or as a kitchen backsplash.

We later upgraded some finishes ourselves in order to avoid paying contractors (kitchen backsplash,  open shelves, etc).Feel free to pm me with questions on the process.

So far limited value added, plan to add kitchen, backsplash, paint and recarpet.

I also think when you're house hacking you blur the lines a bit between "this is my home" and "this is my rental" and it can be easy to legitimize putting tile backsplash in when it's really not necessary. 

I kept the kitchen cabinets and appliances, but replaced the countertop and added the peel/stick ledger stone backsplash.

Hi Victoria,All of those individuals could hold the solution to your problem but may not necessarily offer budget friendly options as they have their own additional fees for such service.I would suggest speaking with a Carpenter or General Contractor who specializes in Kitchens and Baths as they can assist with the design and execution of the project.As far as some options that you have (without seeing you kitchen) you can refinish the cabinets to update the color, replace the cabinet doors to a modern style, or update the counter top and backsplash.

I’m also installing white tile backsplashes.

This is how I renovated a duplex in 2020 with only $6,000 (entire 2800sqft interior painting, refinished/re-faced two kitchens and replaced all appliances in each with used/like-new appliances, new sinks, new tile backsplashes, new hardware, new sinks/faucet, 25% flooring replaced, and one bathroom (everything but the shower which was fine as-is).

Backsplashes, paint, etc. don't require too much heavy lifting but can be an effective way to reach higher rents.

The couple that lived in the home smoked so my realtor let me borrow his Ozone generator to help get the smoke smell out (works amazingly) I am adding a new kitchen countertop, faucet, backsplash and repainting the kitchen cabinets.