Fund higher quality cosmetic / light rehab for durability and dignity for tenants.

The squeaky wheel gets the results.  

It sounds like my refrigerator/freezer is passing away! I would love any advice on landlords' favorite brands or models that last well and are not complicated. And are there any tricks to for the purchase as a landlor...

And it will continue to provide increases to operational expenses which may or may not be able to pass along to the tenant depending on your market.Elon is a bit of a loose cannon, sometimes with good ideas, sometimes with bad ideas (remember the boring company or how he kept insisting tesla cars should not come with steering wheels). 

So I don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time I hire a new person.

Don't get the cart in front of the wheel.

Think basic, durable furniture that looks good but can withstand college life.4.

The only time its worth spending extra money on materials that will be durable aka tenant resistant.

Keep in mind local zoning laws and market conditions in Portland versus Salem—Portland might offer higher rents but stricter regulations, while Salem could provide better cash flow opportunities.Your design approach has proven successful, so continue focusing on appealing upgrades like kitchens and bathrooms, but prioritize cost-effective and durable materials for rentals.

That was my 20s...Spinning my wheels, working ALL of the time, and living off of nothing.