For example, I'd like to upgrade kitchen countertops, but it is penny-wise pound foolish when I'll inevitably need a major kitchen design overhaul that will provide a suitable layout for a modern setup with disposal/dishwasher/microwave and sufficient space. 

House was completely updated in a very tasteful manor, marble countertops, marble shower, etc... 

For granite countertops, I recommend Smart Stone.

New flooring throughout new countertops raised the bathroom counters to be at new standard heights and dropped the kitchen countertops for an updated look.

I put about $15000 into the rehab which included floors, paint, exterior paint, HVAC, countertops, etc.

What I've put together is this:Home: 205k purchase at 2.7% / probably a B- class neighborhood / 3 bed 2.5 bath with loft / 2300 sq ft / 2006 buildRental estimates: Sites average 1650 but we have upgraded to hardwood/tile and granite countertops so I think I could pull 1800 but I'll stick with 1650 for a safer estimateNumbers: This is a suburb of Las Cruces, NM. 

For example, installing granite counter tops in a Class C property will likely not any value.

It's also bad for your reputation if you're running around town making $200,000 offers on homes and then after inspections trying to renegotiate to $170,000 because you didn't understand the cost of repainting the interior of the home or installing granite countertops before you made your offer. 

Here is a list of issues that need to be fixed in my next project.....Demo Kitchen - Order Cabinets, Order Countertops, Purchase Appliances, Gut Master Bathroom - Build A Shower, Tile Shower, New ToiletRip Out Existing CarpetRefinish Hardwoods Under CarpetVinyl Flooring (Tile Over It?)

A large custom kitchen pass-through window with concrete countertops.