There's nothing worse then having a plumbing leak and having to rip out all the tile you just put in. 

HiCurrently live in a 1958 home with an oil furnace from 1997 and original terra cotta tile lined flue, which I am told would be a good idea to have relined with a stainless steel liner because the tiles are no longer aligned.

Purchase price: $74,000 Cash invested: $30,000 Beautifully renovated 4-bedroom split-level home that features a new galley style kitchen with 42" soft close cabinets, stainless steel appliances, recessed lights, updated baths with modern vanities and fixtures, large living room that leads to separate dining room off kitchen, three spacious bedrooms on 2nd level with modern decor, large lower-level family room with ceramic tile flooring with well-placed laundry cove, and recently laid sod in front and rear of property.

The Hyundai (HMG) Plant and the suppliers are starting to hire now.

On some of the units, the bottom layer of flooring had vinyl tile with traces of asbestos and in many of them the mastic had asbestos. 

You may look for a "pre-fab" countertop supplier who sells half slabs (perfect for counters and already fabricated.Look on Pinterest for a little inspiration and start collecting ideas, then see the common look that you gravitate towards.If you'd like to hop on a call, I'd be happy to help with some pointers.

These are a list of my lessons and challenges along the way:*Pay someone to rip up the tile in a house!

Prop tax's some of the lowest the country very low insurance stucco houses tile roofs and desert landscaping all lead to ease of maintenance over time compared to FLA which of course has all sorts of weather related issues that is detrimental to houses .. high prop tax and sky high insurance ( certain areas) But its also growing.. so there is that.

I could have granite, SS appliances, tile baths and floors, etc, you are not getting more with cash.  

My go-to-flooring was tile, but now luxury vinyl.  8.