Do you want to spend time polishing a SS fridge? 

Its not your typical rooming house, every room has mini-fridge, LED-smart TV, utilities are included and all the safety and security measure one can imagine.

In always supply fridge and stove, but only occasionally do washer/dryer. 

You do need to be memorable, easily found when wanted, and familiar.I would recommend a couple of postcards, then a yellow letter, then another yellow letter saying that this is your last letter to them, but "stick this magnetic business card on your fridge just in case".

Let's just call the old house your primary address with it being on your license, your mailing address, a bar of soap in the bathroom, kool-aid in the fridge, a bed and a change of clothes in the closet.

Unless they are damaged I would leave the countertops as is.I would get some new hardware for the cabinets.I would tile the backsplash.If you are adding a new dishwasher and fridge, I would go stainless or black and get a new stove to match.

New home in neighborhood where sales are good, but not record breaking - was able to negotiate an extra 2k off, included fridge, washer, dryer, blinds, cabinets in the laundry room and a tile backsplash in the kitchen.  

The fridge and stove should match, the stovetop should match the stove.

I had to use the 1 year warranty one time for a fridge and they came out and fixed the thing within 24 hours.

Or a new cooktop for 75 or getting paid 70 dollars for the fridge's water freezing up.