Little things for instance a chip in a counter top i would leave if renting compared to buying a new counter top if I was to sell.

I'll be pushing in more chips when the unemployment line is closer to the top left, but moving towards the bottom right ;)  - rather than when it's at the bottom right, and eventually moving towards the upper right.

You don't throw more chips in with a negative hand, and you don't keep paying your tenant's bills (i.e. negative cf).  

Browns fans, please chip in. 

I wouldn't install inexpensive ceramic tile, I'd pay a little more for materials and install a good quality porcelain which won't be as susceptible to chipping as ceramic is, I'd combine that with spending a bit more on one of the commercial grade grouts like Tec Power grout or similar so that the grout never needs to be sealed and the color won't change with wear over time.  

@Chip ChronisterI second both the opinion and the experience already written here.  

I spent about 10 hours (and $250) painting chipped paint, Installing some smoke detectors and replacing a window, but was able to keep the deal alive. 

I've come to realize that what you learn about a certain type of investing from a book is about 10% of what you really need to know to do it well and do it right. Call it the very tip top of the iceberg. But when you ...

Whether it's somebody like lumber liquidators (yeah I know ...say what you will about the recent stuff but when your chips are down they're always there and they'll meet your budget) or contact another local dealer.

. $100-200 bucks per door in fly over states is a far cry from blue chip real estate in the best Bay Area locations.