I use over the range microwaves in all my rentals; it's just one less appliance renters need to bring and gains huge real estate in small kitchens, and the microwaves are almost the same cost as the hoods any more.As for the countertops the spots that always get ruined are the areas exposed to moisture; the clear poly repels the moisture and binds the sawdust together in the particleboard.

But I have been looking into splitting the duplex into two condos (yes I know it is a lot of work) and I could probably get 325-350k for each, netting me 650-700k.Number:* Mortgage interest 2.5%* Mortgage principle 240k* PITI $2100/month* Rent 2200/month (current tenant on a two year lease)* Potential rent on my side $2400/month * 100k HELOC at 11% (fixed) (not currently being used)* est additional cost to split the dueplex 75-100k (conservative, probably less)     *new siding 30k (just put on a new roof this year)     *legal 10-15k     *fire proofing 15k     * 15-40k for stuff I am not aware of or underestimated on* some of the appreciation is external from the home     *big grocery store put in 3min away     * newly paved road in front of my house     *a building that was falling down across the street has been torn down          * Still a vacant lot with the foundation exposed and fencing around it (so more local improvements are on the way)Part of me wants to take the money and run but man I love that 2.5% interest rate and the $2000/month cash flow (including taxes and capx)I have thought about 1031 exchanging into more rentals, but I would like to pivot into storage units.

Here is what I proposed:Setup fees : Administration Setup:One Time Fee: $400Guidebook: Using professional photos give the guests a professional tour of the house and how the home works (Wifi passwords // How to use grill // How to use propane fireplace // Hot tub instructions // Sauna instructions //Check in and check out instructions //where extras may be storedOTA (Online Travel Agency) setups: taking professional photos and actively updating your listing on popular platforms;PMS (Property Management System) Setup Smart Pricing Set upWebsite integrationOther (furniture arrangement / design / décor shopping and set up) $50 per hour· Placement fees · Marketing Cost: Variable depending on needs/wants for marketingFacebook AdsGoogle Ads Cleaners: Set up procedures/take pics of expectations· Management fee—30%Guest communicationCleaner communicationSetting Rental rateDealing with small maintenance issuesBooking CoordinationSmart Lock integrationKeeping supplies stocked (TP, paper towel, all cleaning products, coffee, filters, creamer, sugars, teas,)(Receipts would be submitted on a monthly basis for either reimbursement or book keeping purposes)Encouraging guests to leave good reviews by periodically checking in, providing a review template, and ensuring guests receive the amenities they are looking forContinued marketingMajor Maintenance fees—OwnerCleaning and laundry services fees: Cleaning fee to the guest depending on how cleaner wants to charge

Take a look for yourself.Go here:https://ahrefs.com/backlink-ch...And put any of their websites in the search field and click on the results.Here are a few:https://lolipet.net/product/ca...https://mobilierconfortsuisse....https://www.ruban-bleu-recepti...https://donggonews.com/opini/2...http://matarakyatnews.com/wisa...EVERYONE, stop supporting frauds.And start exposing them.

Are they doing everything possible to expose properties to the broadest possible market?

You're more open to lawsuits via exposed equity, and you're missing out on loan paydown, but I think it's less risk overall. 

I know I can do it but every instance of exposing myself to someone I don't know is like climbing 10 flights of stairs.

We have a Weber propane grill.

A high quality SFR in Austin will pay dividends in the long-run, and don't invest for anything but that. 5-6 years is too little, but if you are to expose yourself to that I would still take Austin.Those deep parts of SW FL are cyclical with retirement up & downs on economic recessions.

They can sharpen skills you already have, or expose you to things you've never even thought of.