I still buy used appliances, but my supplier has all grades from cheap green and ugly all the way up to higher-end stainless units.It is a delicate game.

If you want to spend less and still have granite see if the local supplier has 2cm granite instead of 3cm, it is a little less expensive, but usually only comes in one or two colors.

I am buying the lumber materials for 2 duplexes at a time and having it direct shipped so supplier does not handle.

Using trusted suppliers that keep tenants happy and charge you under market pricing ($ Savings for owners); Getting it renewed or re-rented with next to no turn ($ savings for owners); Posting rental for lease 60 days out allows you to start the rent higher and move pricing downward as you get closer to renewal. 

I called two subs and my supplier at ABC and you are right.

The contractor knows hes going to be paid because he can do a Mechanics lean on the property.I would only do this if I was directly paying the supplier and the supplies were delivered straight to the job site.  

Their benefit comes from doing volume deals with suppliers to get a lower price and to have first pick when the shipments come in.

Whirlpool is the biggest supplier of appliances and are predicting an inventory shortage for atleast 2 quarters.

There are many suppliers of building materials, and prices can vary greatly.

Being a contractor is a challenging business, because you deal with material and supplier issues, tools and equipment issues, quality of labor, safety, inspectors, and even weather conditions.