Criticizing others for their failure to do the same provides them self-justification for their confirmation bias.This is a common behavior pattern to justify many debatable decisions people make in life.

But, what they also sell is discontinued and misordered Lowes and Home Depot Merch.I have purchased over $200,000 of building materials from FTA.The number one item they have (and only periodically) is bath and shower tile.

However a continual pattern of such can be enough.  

-Sauna-Hot Tub-Patio/courtyard (large cement tiles on crushed bluestone with lighting, natural gas line to bbq)-Secondary patio off primary suite-Losing sq feet in the primary bedroom to enlarge the bathroom-High grade cabinets-Appliances with cabinet fronts-High end appliances (Viking/Miele instead of GE Cafe)-Outdoor shower (teak box walls with a dry well beneath the footprint)-Wiring for Cat6 to every room-Wiring for surround speakers (or including the speakers that are built into the walls)-Sonos whole-home audio system-Hardwired cameras (with on-site storage) to the exterior of the house-Smart features: thermostats are a given, but how about light fixtures, switches, aromatherapy, fans ... anything else?

We also tiled the entire first level because the property is partially built into a hill and this would help reduce moisture issues.We also added a stacked laundry center by the front entrance.

I was the HML he never came into title. but got paid on the hud.State put him out of business. when he got in a fight with a client who filed a complaint.. he actually ended up getting arrested because he did it again.So for him to continue I would charge him a transaction fee to put him into title then 2 or 3 days later the LA turnkey buyer would buy from him. and he got paid as the seller ... that worked perfect we did probably 50 to 75 of those.. until he fell back into his pattern of taking fee's on properties he did not own.. this was as stated Mississippi so that's two states. 

Fresh paint throughout, minor repairs, updated outlets/switches, backsplash tile in kitchen/bathroom.

It would be interesting to do an analysis on the 10-20 year return pattern of cashing out a portion of your funds, pay the tax and invest in potentially better performing assets vs the REIT returns. 

@Christopher Blanco I have used regal carpet and tile on more than one occasion

I just installed luxury vinyl tiles from Nucor in a future rental and they came out looking great.