I do the backs, bottoms and all edges before installing.I build a 2x4 base that fits perfectly underneath the inside of the base of the cabinets because well meaning tenants tend to spill the mop buckets they use every year or so and the bottom edge of those particleboard cabinets crumbles and sinks and melts into the floor "if" it ever gets wet.I too use 1x4's to back up all towel rods and such.I use 3/4 inch galvanized pipe for all shower curtain rods installed strong enough to do pull-ups.I use contact paper for all tub and shower surrounds.

On the other hand, I'm not out to re-invent the wheel and I'm wondering if the $6300 is really a financial drop in the bucket compared to all the [potential] benefits that could come from a coaching relationship, not to mention the possible money saved by my not making expensive mistakes.  

The real truth about investing is; I look at 5 to 10 properties every day and won't purchase properties for several years even though I have enough cash to pay for the entire property because it is very difficult to find properties that are a good deal where I can make buckets of money.

That way I can pound the heck out of a smaller section verses be a drop in the bucket in a larger area.I hope this wasn't too vague.  

Then you could use 1 year tax return self employment with freddie mac and there you go you're now qualified into the conventional bucket and saved your self probably 1-2% in rate, 1-2 points, and all those adverse terms from the portfolio loans.Theres lots of ways to structure things to make it work the above is just the tip of the ice berg, but something to consider.

There are certainly a lot of great resources here.I think you'll find, the more specific a question you ask, the better folks can help you.I'm not familiar with southern CT but my guess would be it gets a good amount of spillover from the NYC economy (at least judging by my memories of Metro North rides :)For Rhode Island, you might find Pawtucket (colloquially known as "the bucket", ha ha) better than Providence as it's closer to Boston and the taxes aren't quite as bad as Providence.My other standard advice is to research/attend a local real estate investor association for the area.

Many of our clients do leave Salt buckets and a broom/shovel at the property so they can request a designated resident for assistance if needed.   

And as a military supplier, your yearly rent amount is likely a drop in the bucket to their budget.Good thing with this is that they are a corp so tenant-landlord residential laws likely won't apply.

But it is worthwhile.Many people call the plan many things, but this works for me:  fill the various buckets, or use the envelope system...what ever you want to call it. 

I actually kicked over 5 gallon buckets and rolled the floor thick.