laminate is less expensive and is more durable  some  of the go to brands are allure http://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER-Allure-6-...but I have used laminate from as low as $1.25 sq ft  

I am in a position pretty similar to you, (freshly) 25, finished up college a little over a year ago, and looking at getting into this in the next 6 months and move to the Winchester, VA area.

I liked the tenant he found and decided to just do a fresh lease with him.

I am developer/rehabber so I try to look for something I can add to or fully gut and put everything brand new.

I am brand new to the idea of using real estate as investment.  

The concept is really intriguing and I am starting see start ups like Hub Haus and Common really brand themselves in the space.

IE wholesaling but that takes money and major sales skills.. and a market that has a lot of excess inventory and rental inventory.. it really depends on where your living and working.. all the guru training materials say just about the same thing there is nothing brand new .. just the same methods or schemes repackaged and regurgitated to enduce those who want it all now and are willing to pay for fast track.think MLM..

I am looking for recommendations on brand and size.

New windows definitely have more of an appeal to the tenant because they offer a fresh look and will reduce your energy expenses. 

Many big box hardware stores will change the brands they carry literally every single year making it impossible to find what you had installed the year before.