There are exceptions in both directions on longevity :)  A slate roof is going to last your just about forever though you will need someone up there replacing a few slates every 7-10 years.Remember that any money you have in your Cap Ex account goes directly into your pocket if you sell the place before you use it. 

I am curious as to what kind of longevity these owners are seeing from tenants in C class properties. 2 and 3 bedroom properties in C class neighborhoods are in high demand right now and I would like to see what people are seeing around that 2-3 year mark.

From your experience, what have you found to be the most cost efficient, and drive the most longevity for your rental units, vinyl plank or laminate floors?

My biggest cost over time will be when the tenant leaves, so as I engage and figure out how to find proper tenants, the key will be longevity. 

Also look up what else these flippers have sold and call the owners and ask about the quality and longevity of their flips.

Look for demonstrated experience and longevity. 

Who can you wholesale this and expect longevity?

Maybe I'm bougie but I worry about the longevity of anything IKEA.

I know we can legally deny renting to a person if the income does not meet my requirements,  no longevity on a job/previous rental, etc...

In cheap, hard-use C/D class rentals like mine, I'm a big fan of 3/4 in. solid hardwood finished-in-place with 3 coats of oil-based poly for its durability and longevity, not its look after it gets beaten up over the years. 3/8 in. engineered will look great when you install it, but it won't hold up to decades of hard use and the kind of light spot-refinishing with a belt sander that I do.