On top of that we put in carpet risers which are around $8 for a set and very easy to swap out if they get dirty.2- LVP shouldn't be any cooler to the touch than hardwood floors, and when paired with a few area rugs, it should be just fine. 

Since LT tenants currently live there, there’s not much I can do right now but just advise to put some rugs down right?

The major downside is the rugged road through the property.Given these two options, I'm just curious what you guys and gals with the experience think of it and what direction you would go if it were you in my shoes.

Upgrade light fixtures, get a nice mirror and distract the eye with some bold staging items (towels, rug, maybe a faux plant). 

A spike in unemployment could negatively impact demand, particularly if an intensifying trade war leads to export tariffs, which could put jobs at risk.

She puts down scatter rugs for aesthetics.

When you mention liking "some unique pieces", are these bigger pieces (dining room table, headboards, credenzas, etc.) or more smaller pops (lamps, area rugs, dishes, etc.)? 

. :-)  I don't take dogs AT ALL, and the last move-out had a cat which dug a hole in the rug (first time ever), BUT NEVER had any damages attributed to children - - over 18yrs, 'taint bad.

Tenants can put down throw rugs if they want...

Another option is if you're already doing other flips or are definitely planning on doing more, you could take some time and shop for some deals on buying your own furniture and accessories (remember, great staging is much more than just plopping a rug and a couple couches in the living room-its really setting a mood with little knick knacks, accessories, art, etc) but often on craigslist you can find barely used decent furniture for some good or even great deals.