Some of our major expenditures off the top of my head:Plumbing: 24kHVAC: 12kRoof: 6k (flat roof TPO)Floors: 9k (refinished most, replaced the master bedroom)Electrical: 12kDemo: 6.5kConcrete/Fence/Landscaping: 14.5kWindows: 7kTuckpointing: ~6k (if you don't know what that is, it's brick work basically)Architect: 2.5kCabinets and countertops (kitchen): 9kFraming: 9kDrywall: 13kPaint: 4k (paid someone to help so it wasn't just me)Doors: 5k (lots of doors including 4 exterior)Appliances: 2.5kStaging: 2kThe other 20k or so went to Vanities, trim (we used good 7" trim board that matched the original trim), waterproofing, permits, finishes etc... 

And so I buy drawer/cabinets from Habitat for Humanity Restore/Construction Junction/etc; sometimes I need to nail a laminate countertop to it if it lacks the top but they often have the countertop still on there - buying them used is naturally way cheaper. 

I needed countertops still.

How to Repair Quartz Countertops https://www.hunker.com/1200145... 

Countertops and backsplash were done 3 weeks later, and landscaping is being done now.

Purchase price: $460,000 Cash invested: $10,000 Sale price: $635,000 This was an easy house cleanup along with new countertops, backsplash, touch-up paint and landscape cleanup.

In my area I can really benefit from costlier upgrade, i.e. granite countertops, tile backsplashes, LVF etc.

Outdated HVAC.Sub flooring under toilet and kitchen sink is rotted from leaking.All windows (6) are original and need to be replaced.Driveway is crumbled.Kitchen cabinets and counter tops are in really bad shape. 

Recently remodeled duplex featuring new tub, tile flooring, vanity, paint, kitchen granite counter tops and blinds. close to schools, freeway and shopping. tons of potential here!"

Countertops: PLam, quartz?