I operated it cash flow neutral putting all the cash flow into paying down mortgage in 10 years.

I'm sure it's subject to change based on market conditions.As far as the rental side of their plan, they painted the front door and all the interior walls a neutral color and rented the house for the highest rate the rental market would support.

I would go with the glass mosaic or like a neutral subway tile with glass mosaic 3-4 inch strip that catches the black in the countertop. 

Just be neutral about it.

So far my experience with pets has been mostly neutral.

We have purchased an RE that projected, with our conservative estimates, as cash neutral RE. 

I would rather have 30k in the bank and my property be 30k underwater than 0 in the bank and net neutral on my home. 

I currently face a troubling dilemma and I believe only the expert members of the Bigger Pockets forum are capable of effectively neutralizing my stressors.

Add a little flair while still staying neutral.

The fact that banks won't loan above appraisal values; will inherently limit the ability of values to increase, at least until appraisers have the freedom to value properties at higher than the absolute average of the adjusted comps (which they will rarely do in a neutral or downward trending market).Think of it this way:If a subject house has three perfect comps, in today's appraisal world, the value of the subject will generally be the average of the three perfect comps.