I'd like to go a step up from the chipboard and use something with plywood boxes and soft close drawers if it doesn't blow my budget.

Add backerboard and ceramic tile all over.Would the soft and squishy or the stiff approach work better?

It was my mistake being a soft hearted person; last Sept I accepted a "mom" who claimed she supporting her daughter for college so shes renting a room from me while her daughter staying at dorm.  

The actual hard costs of not evicting immediately weren't necessarily large ($500-1000), but it's the soft costs that hurt me - the eviction wasn't final until Sept 1, which means I didn't complete the rehab until the first week of November.

Neither of those sites impact your credit score because they do a soft pull on your credit.Other than that, don't open up too many credit cards at once (maybe 2 cards total), because too much at once impacts your score in a few ways (hard inquiries, new trade lines, and age of credit history).Last, pay your bills on time...late payments really negatively impact your score.

Fixture/faucet finishes (chrome, oil rubbed bronze, brushed Nickel, rubbed brass) Appliances (stainless, smudge free stainless, black, white)Lighting fixtures (recessed 3" 4" 6", ceiling fans, island drop lights, under cabinet lighting)Fireplaces (gas, wood, tile surround, stone suround, wood block mantle)Carpet stylesLandscapingEct...Post some pictures if you'd like of recent rehabs you have completed or are currently working on that you think appeal to the masses in your area. 

Came with soft close, pantry sliders, silverware tray, and I added the crown.

I had discussed the situation with others outside of this forum, and they had said that I was being too understanding / soft; I had decided on a tougher approach, which is why I put things the way I did in my original post here.

Do laundry.Whatever it is that you do, do those same things.But, make one small change today.Simply log everything you do.If you brush your teeth, make a notation in the log.If you shower, make a notation in the log.Write down how long it takes.Keep a stopwatch with you if it helps.Write down how long it takes you to eat.

After one of my biggest set backs in my career, I decided to get brush myself off and get back on the horse.