The area I’m looking at is walking distance to the subway (blue line), near restaurants, etc. no parking but the apartment would have one space.

Then use white subway tile for the backsplash.  

There is a subway close by that allows people to get into NYC quickly where the job market is almost always good and the rents are too high to live in Manhattan so people push out to Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, etc...  

I work 9 - 5:30 Midtown Manhattan so the radius I had in mind was 1 hour subway, which is enough time to visit after work or on weekends.

I've given it some thought and the projects I'm taking on aren't over the top rehabs that would require constant vigilance from afar, but more likely $3-$5k tops in rehab (painting, maybe subway tiling the bathrooms etc.) .What's your process for finding reliable contractors? 

Basic 3x6 white subway tile with black trim is my favorite, old fashioned look for old buildings is right.

Take note of floor plans, finishes, are they using subway tile, granite etc. etc. and then keep an eye on these houses to see how fast they sell and at what price.Now you know the standard condition YOUR house needs to be in if you want to have it sold that fast as well.

I would advise that you look at what areas are hot for housing right now, and possibly go one subway stop further to get ahead of the curve.

Note: my choice of modern length porcelain subway tiles in a Calcutta Marble print look upscale installed in a herringbone-  Modern take on a timeless classic Quote from @Ryan Judy:Do you do your own interior design for flips or hire a designer? 

If you do not have the pics please answer me this.Did you use subway tile?