No sense in you having to reinvent the wheel.

I'm trying to find something more durable than carpet (seems to only last a few years) and am turned off by pricing on vinyl plank.

While I understand the concept that you are describing, at the end of the day you may just be spinning your wheels on this one.

The floor prep has to be 100%, plus if you apply but then need to pull up and move one or two, the adhesive becomes less durable.  

Compared to wooden retaining wall store or concrete retaining wall more durable and long lasting?

I recommend installing automation as one differentiator fromother properties.The furnishings must be durable and attractive to tenants.Quality photos and a property-specific website that provides extensivedetail about the property, the area, fun things to do, etc.Flexible lease terms.

Most investors, particularly new investors don't understand this and believe they can hide under the cloak of secrecy for additional fees and there are slick attorneys out there lining their pockets selling the platinum level car details to the owners of 1995 honda civics with a rusted hood and 4 mismatched donut wheels.

Overall, we like LVP for the durability factor.

My advice would not be try to reinvent the wheel. 

We spent about a year spinning our wheels, and then it snowballed.