I like @Jeffrey Hotz idea of whitewash (an alternative would be Behr antique white solid... it's an amazing interior color too!).  

Does your office have a good color printer?  

Can you share what colors you picked for your kitchen scheme paint and flooring?  

The best properties for this are "cosmetic fixers" where the "bones" are in good shape (structure, plumbing, electric, all the important stuff that is not readily visible unless you look close), yet it is a cosmetic wreck; dated finishes, dirty, smelly, ugly, hideous paint colors, etc.

Additionally, you have provided me the most realistic perspective of RE investing yet - I was certainly spellbound by all the success stories I've read, and I needed someone to rip the rose colored glasses off my face.

Marcus, in a project we just did we put in that dark allure flooring and it looks great.

3 K for paint.. get contractor grade paint, color match to any sample you want and paint the whole house the same color.

There are many forms available here on BP up at the top there is a dark gray bar, scroll under "tools" you will find "FilePlace" its where seasoned investors come and share such things.

JT McGraw - When you install the new ones, invest in installing some inexpensive clear or cabinet color matching vinyl / plastic cabinet liners so the bottoms are protected from spills and scraping.

Counter top type and color, wall paint, outdoor house paint.