$8.95 is a super cheap price, but I'm not sure how durable that would be.

They were talking about how durable they were.

I think it depends on the location, but 1% is more durable.

Higher end, I may go with more bells and whistles...But you had me at college students: get the most durable, with fewest features possible. 

I have purchased houses with asbestos siding (which is incredibly durable) and as long as you don’t break the tiles it doesn’t create an environmental hazard.

Even if fashions change in 3 years this style will retain it's universal appeal.Also there have been many recent chemistry advances and some inexpensive companies offer a fantastic and durable white paint. 

At the end of the day location dictates max rent more-so than any other factor, and tenants will just destroy high-end stuff anyway so I’d stick with materials that are as low-cost and as durable as possible (luxury vinyl plank flooring, laminate counter tops, contractor-grade fixtures, simple appliances, etc.).

Yes there is a difference, and while I would LOVE to do “flip” quality rehab, the market is competitive and we want to hold these, so we need to focus on durable and not flashy while still doing things right.

In that case I started just looking at regular concrete paints/stains but couldn't find one that seemed like a standout pick of durability and affordable.  

It is thick, flexible, waterproof (to a degree) and appears durable (click-lock).