.. but, just read their website ... the dustless sander is also used by other finishers.The website has a lot of handwaving about their "proprietary" floor and how durable it is, but no third-party testing to validate their claims (which are vague).It may be good, but it may be AmWay.

Advice for your parents is to invest in durable upgrades, and don't over improve them if rents won't support a really nice unit.  

I like the vinyl plank flooring (Trafficmaster Allure) better because it has a similar look but it's much more durable

I was also thinking about stainless steel cabinets from Ikea and they would at least be durable 

Is there stuff significantly higher quality/more durable that HD/Lowe's?

Good durability and looks great too.

Will definitely look into the tile counter, those do seem more durable than other options and less expensive than granite.

More durable.

But a carpenter with say 15 years experience, capable of building you a safe, durable, beautiful home is only worth $50k/yr tops?

I'm planning to rehab with durable materials, but with the rehab, it should attract a higher class tenant which would most likely take better care of the property, to generalize.