HI BP'ers, most inspector, depending on state regulation , can do an air sample testing, to see if there is mold particles in the air and what type. but for sure mold remediation is a very good idea.

The are real wood cabinets (no particle board) that you assemble yourself and are cheaper than the already assembled variety.

I would also try to stay away from particle board like ikea.

HD's is much more durable.I don't like that it's based on particle board...wish I knew of an affordable alternative.

And whoever started using particle board for floors.

Whomever told you that you can only do it once or twice was probably referring to an engineered hardwood product (they have a thin layer of real wood over a thicker layer of particle board).If the floors are real hardwood all the way through then you can sand and refinish them many many times.If you're good about it, you can usually get away with a light screen/buff and re-coat instead of a full deep sanding.

While thinking of ways to harden rental for a long term hold, I thought if possibly replacing an existing bathroom vanity made of particle board with a vanity made of genuine wood.

Go with the RTA or "knock down" type cabinets that have plywood in places where the big box cabinets use MDF or particle board.

No matter what you do, sod, seed, cover with those moisture particles that supposedly help, what it comes down to is tenants do not water lawns.  

plywood or particle board cabinets)?