The kitchen needs to be redone, granite would be my choice for countertops, stainless steel appliances.

Literally, just fix a few things on the outside (the HOA was complaining) and paint , clean and change Kitchen Countertops , nobs, painted cabinets and changed light fixtures and door nobs.

As a result we are planning on modernizing the units (installing bar tops, granite countertops, etc.), and doing exterior updates that supports a cleaner/sleeker look (VALUE ADD #3).

Tom Keith hi Tom, I hope you can help me. can you refer me to 2 handyman who can replace these cabinets and countertop https://youtu.be/MQbeIbvyyjM in Longview TX And one more question: how much do you guys think this would cost me?

Our tax structure is based more on what you're doing as opposed to when you're doing it.There are always borderline things - a full kitchen renovation is probably a capital expense, but replacing the countertop could easily be an expense.

We went with butcherblock countertops because they were on a Cyber Monday special from Menards and we could install them ourselves. 

Check out NW Granite, Countertops, and Cabinets.  

I decided to do some cosmetic updates to the house while I am in it (new flooring, paint, appliances, counter top then staged it with new furniture) all with the idea to flip it.

My plan for the property was to cosmetically upgrade it nothing structural.We updated all the bathrooms (new tiles, vanities, fixtures), new carpet (bedrooms), laminate flooring (living room), painted the interior, added granite counter tops throughout the house, new SS appliances etc.

Also, when I rehab a property, it will always have new granite countertops, new floors, probably new cabinets, etc.