Thicker drywall (5/8s instead of 3/8)Stain resistant paint or at least easy to clean up paint (this may vary cause in most causes tenants put so much holes and dents in walls, the turnover for rentals usually require repainting anyways)Easy to clean back splash (less grout = less stuck dirt, so consider the size material)Countertop type (granite and marble stains and require to be polished and resealed eventually; quartz is stronger and stain resistant, but cost twice as much)For appliances, I suggest going to local appliance stores not big box stores.  

As an initial investment partner, I have helped create a successful business with Mike Dodge with Lakeland's Beer Revolution bringing an even stronger presence of craft and local beverages as well as providing jobs.

But if you really want stronger protection then include umbrella insurance and also LLC makes things difficult to refinance at a great rate because it would consider a commercial loan (higher APR) I'm not saying done ever get an LLC, once you build a great portfolio then LLC everything just not when you first start or have 2-3 properties.

I'd encourage you to get a stronger deed than a quitclaim and leave the insurance alone with yourself listed as additionally insured. 

The response rate when it comes to customer service (for both you and the tenant) has been much stronger.

My girlfriend is stronger with the day to day operations, talking to people, understanding personalities etc.so my question is what advice would you give to two newbies starting down this road? 

I love insurance and LLC and think that having BOTH is the STARTING point to AP and an AP plan. but as in building a house, it is just the foundation for a stronger house.

I am looking for a solution stronger than regular mopping but short of pressure washing it.

And the stronger words help me build the right vocabulary when I have to be the one confronting the tough situation.

Many banks will still not wish to make small loans but you will be in a much stronger position to find a private lender who will.