-Provide and install a stone counter top.

It seems like it might be best to find that middle 'sweet spot' and go with the median level of finish then in your case (sounds like not wanting to invest a lot to update, and want to keep cash flow at max.)If I were to run comps and see on the high end of area rentals it meant all new countertops, appliances (high end), hard wood/laminate, kitchen cabinets etc and on the low end it meant more of an 'apartment level' finish - I personally would go for the middle road to this and maybe choose to refinish countertops, refinish kitchen cabinets and go strictly mid-range on appliances (I would pick up the extend warranties personally).In hitting the kitchen and baths, getting some fresh paint up and addressing flooring- I would know the heavy 'where the eyes are drawn to' items were checked off my list, take it all for expenses come tax time and be pretty happy to know I was right in the middle zone for the area- I wouldn't have the lowest quality of renter pool in the area, or be worried about overpricing myself out of the competition on the high end in my mind. 

A couple of the reasons/concerns I am considering this:-Difficult to go the BRRRR method in the current market and actually find a deal (too many non-Texans, like myself originally paying way over market value on MLS)-I liked the work the builder did on our property, and we would ideally build a base model without much customization, and add forced appreciation in the second home while we live in it over time-I would like to take advantage of the current rates, as well as my VA benefit with the best strategy possible in starting the rental journey-I know our current home would rent and cashflow well (only con/concern is that our upgrades are on the higher end, rather than econo-rental-friendly: porcelain wood-look flooring, granite countertops etc.) 

Nicer counter-tops, cabinets, lights, fixtures, etc. . . 

Take in the measurements, they will do the layout and sell you ready to assemble cabinets.You'll still need someone to fabricate the countertops.

We put a new deck, fence, roof, quartz countertops, vanities, flooring, paint and more.Before 3D https://my.matterport.com/show/?

We hired someone to paint the countertops.

And it has to be a true comp - a house with granite countertops and premium finishes is not a comp with a home that has "rent grade" finishes and laminate countertops. 

-Demo kitchen cabinets-Remove all fixtures-Demo old bathroom tiling and fixtures-Have digging/tunneling prepared for sewage line replacement-Pressure wash outside of house to prep for paintWeeks 2 & 3-Complete sewage line replacement-Begin Landscaping design-Replace entire homes fascia boards-Remove popcorn ceiling textureWeek 5-Have exterior of home painted-Roof leaks should be repaired by nowWeek 7-Have new lighting and fixtures installed-Tile Flooring throughout installed-Replace drywall boards as needed-Paint interiorWeek 9-Kitchen cabinets/countertops and island installed-Bathroom tiling completed-Shower doors installed-Detail work inside-Electrical outlets upgraded-Front Door replaced-Vanities/bath fixtures installedWeek 12-Install appliances-Install Fencing where needed(using about 80% of the neighbors white pvc fence as a privacy, will match)-Paver driveway to be completedWeek 13-Stage for marketing photos and open houses-Accept offer at 110% of list priceI know this is a brief run over of the work, but any advice in planning/ executing is appreciated.

Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and LVP have helped attract great tenants all which have stayed multiple years.