I'm also including Luxury Vinyl Plank, can't edit the title of the post though. 

I had just installed new windows and they were able to use a thin wedge or screwdriver to break the sash lock mechanism as they are vinyl. 

My initial thought is vinyl for a rental, but if I'm flipping it in a couple years, would it pay to go the hardwood route?

If I should spend the extra buck and install vinyl fence in hopes that it is less maintenance and will last much longer?

My personal favorite is vinyl plank flooring .

We obtained 4 bids from various companies (some that specialize in exterior only and some from general contractors) for both Hardie Board and for vinyl siding. 

hey just some advice from a plumber ive been doing plumbing for 5 years nowyou said you had a iron sump pit, likely the pit is beginning to corrode and thats the cause of the iron deposits, now a days most pits are made from composit plastics ,another possibility is the piping could be the cause if its a metal pipe [iron or galvinized steel ] it could be contaminating the water being pumped out, again most pipes now a days are PVC either sch 40 ,80 or ABS to prevent this issue, it could be the pump is corroded and failing but if its working i doubt that its that ad if the pump was that bad it likely would have failedother than those the only other thing that comes to mind is that it could be something in the basement that is made of iron or steel that is in the pathway to thw water on its journey to the pit.hope this helps

-purchased the PVC core plank tiles for the kitchen and laundry room.

$100- $400, very loaded question, all depends on what you put into the house. particle board cabinets, Formica counter tops and vinyl floors or plywood cabinets with stained exotic wood doors,marble floors and granite counter tops?

For the floor, I would use luxury vinyl plank.