Also when doing a rental in a lower income area where the PP is 100kish, you are not putting in granite, crown moldings ect.

We had just completely remodeled the unit, new bathrooms, new kitchen cabinets, granite countertop, new microwave and fridge, sinks, faucets, plumbing (left the oven, washer and dryer from previous), new flooring throughout, fresh paint.It's one thing after another.

I've never seen granite counters (or ceramic tile, or crystal faucets or whatever) in a $350 rental before (or $500 or $1500)."

I do plan on installing granite countertops/backsplash and canned lighting so it’ll be fairly nice.

Can you afford to do granite and get your money back? 

This is NOT the Midwest, we are NOT built atop Granite or Mountain basin(s).  

One thing someone told me a while back was that things like stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops don't necessarily add value, they just make the home sell quicker (I'm sure that's a statement that could be debated at length).

For example, we were connected to a granite supplier / installer that was great!

Hardwood floors are no different than carpeting, oak cabinets are no different then the new shaker, granite no better than laminate etc.

I would plan on putting in higher end furnishings (stainless steel appliances/granite counter-tops/and blowing out one of the kitchen walls to turn it into a more open concept style...yeah, lots of HGTV being watched at my house right now).