I wouldn't trust anyone other than Butcher and Butcher as they are the true professionals serving the metro area.

I'm just about finished a rehab in Baltimore, MD in the Fells Point/Butcher's Hill area (we have several rentals in Baltimore & Connecticut but this is first official flip).

Not sure the drop in rents in Federal Hill was "urban flight" so much as over inflated rents for what you get and competition from other areas like Canton and Butcher's Hill as investors continue to develop some really nice properties. 

Very little work once set up  Find a butcher and locker.  

I would not put laminate in, if you were going to rent it out then maybe, another option which is trending right now is wooden countertops like butcher block, It's less expensive then stone but still looks great.

Hey David, I haven't crossed that bridge yet so I'm probably butchering some of this.To answer your questions though... yes, I do have a bunch of active income as well. 

A great, cheap DIY option is solid wood butcher block, now carried by many Lowe's stores and also at IKEA.

The kitchen is older (mid 90’s) melamine/oak cabinets.We would do modern shakers with butcher block counters.

I'm looking at counter top options and am liking the Butcher block look. 

(Canton, Fells, Upper Fells, Fed Hill, Butchers Hill, etc)2) Does anyone see any major reason to avoid renting by the room in these areas?