I would also suggest finding local supply stores to find out where you can buy tile, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanitys and sinks.

My contractor handles paint/tile/cabinets/ basic plumbing/ electrical/ lighting/ trash/ fit and finish / cleaning it up when done. 

and remodel the kitchen (everything - flooring, cabinets, counters, appliances, possibly open up a wall into living area). 

My wife and I bought a four-family in Massachusetts, re-did the wood floors, painted everything, brought in new cabinets, and raised the rents.

I have purchased major appliances, cabinets.

I am building homes with granite tops, upgrade cabinets at under $65/sf.  

This is something I plan to do myself when I start renting, plus including an overlay showing from which angle each listing photo was taken.Also one inside one of the kitchen cabinets to help illustrate what size the furnace filter is, what type of battery the garage door open, thermostat, and whatever else takes, where the water shut off valves are, etc.

I've seen people steal cabinet doors and plumbing fixtures from Section 8 units.

On a typical project, here are the contractors I'll probably use:- Demo- Roofer- Painter- Carpenter- Plumber- Electrician- HVAC- Window Company- Tile Guy- Carpet Guy- Hardwood Guy- Cabinets/Countertops Company- Termite Inspection- Landscaping- Garage Door Company- House CleanerIn addition, on many projects I'll also use:- Drywall Guys- Insulation- Surveyor- Structural Engineer- Inspectors- Concrete Company- Driveway/Paving Company- Grading- Tree Trimming- Shower Glass CompanyFor big projects, new construction:- Architect- Civil Engineer- Foundation- Asbestos Removal- Sediment Control- Excavation, Dirt Hauling- Interior Sprinklers- Stone WorkEach of those contractors will typically get between 1-4 draws, depending on the scope of the work they have for the project.Then there are materials and other non-labor costs:- Permits (0-3 transactions per project)- Porta Pottys (0-3 transactions per project)- Home Depot Materials (3-5 transactions per project)- Dumpsters (1-3 transactions per project)- Paint Purchase- Cabinets/Countertops Purchase (2-4 transactions per project)- Flooring Material Purchase (1-2 transactions per project)- Specialty Material Suppliers (0-10 transactions per project)- Utility/Service Installation (0-5 transactions per project)- Private Inspections (0-5 transactions per project)- Insulation/Airtightness Tests- AppliancesOn top of that, I will potentially write several checks to:- Title Company- Property Inspector- Appraiser- General Contractor or Project Manager- Interest Payments- Utility Payments- Tax PaymentsOn top of that, I have my general business expenses:- Accounting- Legal- Interest Payments- Tax Payments- Brokerage Fees- E&O Fees- MLS Fees- Overhead/Office (Supplies, Equipment, Subscriptions, Software, etc)- Telephone/Fax/Internet- Income from Property SalesAll of these easily add up to a couple hundred transactions on a large project or new build, meaning many dozen per month. 

some ideas: New counter-tops, paint or replace cabinets, new flooring, etc.