For example, in a recent forum post there was a great discussion regarding hard wood floor refinishing, and I learned that roughly $2 per sq ft was typical in our area.  

I ended up re-doing a lot more (refinishing cupboards, installing ceramic tile in the shower and bathroom, new molding/doors, new front porch, garage door, etc).

We also refinished the basement with about 650 sqft of TrafficMASTER Allure Ultra which I happened to stumble on a HD sale for $1.99 sqft.  

Windows, cabinets, appliances, granite and flooring (hardwood install and refinish in my case). 

After closing, we had a contractor refinish the floor.

If the floors are beat up now, your best bet is either a solid hardwood floor which can be refinished multiple times, or an Allure flooring.

The pine will last longer and it'll cost less to refinish.

I like to take care of things in the beginning so I removed carpet, refinished hardwood floors, painted and upgraded the old fuse box to breakers with space to switch house over to all electric as water heater and furnace need replacing.

However, having an appraisal during the winter months poses a few disadvantages: Some remaining paintwork including rear deck refinishing needed outside that can't be done until spring, landscaped yard isn't at its best in the winter (though I have pictures of it), I still have some work I want to do to the foundation/basement, etc. 

There are those who think that refinishing hardwood floors on your rental units should be hired out to those who know how to do it.