The expensive home may use better brands which might be slightly more but immaterial in this situataion.Where did you find this information that cheaper homes are likely to give more of a repair credit?

For starters you bought it after a fresh rehab.

I'm in Austin and there is a online mattress showroom that I visited to try out different brands. 

The apartments didn't look like Class C but looked to be brand new nice complexes with amenities: pool, gym etc. #1 has been in business for 10 years, not enough for a full estate cycle and #2 said they've been in business since 1988 (or at least some of GPs involved). #2 I may have considered (apartment buildings on SoCal or real estate debt fund).  

Fresh eyes help.Mindset Check: You're never going to know everything before you start.

In fact, we even replaced her brand new heater.

I would personally rather be the guy with the lower purchase price and higher rate, but it doesn't help a brand new househacker in the short term. 

If not then we go with a really clean look of fresh beds, and grass that will really pop out. 

you can likely buy a small multi in a great neighborhood and (i'm making this up) if it has a 4 BR and a studio, you live in the studio and rent out the 4 BR.

. $250,000 for 1,600SF isn't outrageous, but you could probably do it for cheaper.If I were building a brand new home, I probably would skip a basement.