Now when I renovate a home, I have to pull up the old carpet and usually have to do LVT plank (which is water resistant) to give it a more modern feel.

Things that require some form of opinion are harder (Basement drywall was installed before the requirement for mold resistant drywall, recommend removing and reinstalling with current materials to code). 

My policy has been to either use cheap materials that can easily be replaced between tenants with minimal grumbling, or pay for durable, tenant-resistant materials.

Depending on the resistance of the loads. 

He would likely resist your efforts to do the changes you would want to do.  

This is resistant to mildew. 

(sorry I couldn't resist it)Welcome to BP!

We, as human, tend to take the path of least resistance.

Scheduling showings for next week.Once people come to see it, especially with all the "detail" improvements (tech upgrades and not just pre-wired but installing speakers already, etc, custom tile work w/ pattern, custom bathroom glass/tile work), I don't think they will be able to resist it.

If you do refi, resist the urge to jump on the first deal you find.