Everyone will still needs gas, electricity, and steel.

Let's do it @Ikenna Jones I am considering the 2-3 days that a droplet may live on stainless steel or cardboard material, per the Princeton/UCLA study.

@Anthony Steele You are doing the right thing - find a duplex, triplex, four plex and buy it using an FHA loan.

@Connie Steele, nice problem to have, however, if you are that worried about the banks, turn some of that cash into gold. 

Question: does anyone have a recommendation for affordable but reliable appliances (stainless steel refrigerator and stove, washer and dryer)?

The second floor was converted into an inlaw suite by adding a tiny kitchenette and exterior door with steel stairs.

That includes principle, interest, taxes, and insurance as well.We have spent about $8,500 in repairs and upgrades including - revamping the landscaping, having the brick and siding professionally painted, installing new stained cedar posts and shutters, installing a new privacy fence and having it stained, removed popcorn ceilings, redid the taping/bedding, retextured, had the inside walls and ceiling professionally painted, installed a new cedar beam in the living area, new custom blinds for all windows, all new light fixtures and ceiling fans, brand new stainless steel appliances (range with double oven, dishwasher, microwave vent hood, and new refrigerator - all GE brand) Floors are in good not great shape (tile in kitchen and dining room and single bathroom, laminate in living room and hallway, carpet in both bedrooms) and would be the only other possible upgrade we would consider.

It cost about that much for a new glazed steel tub, and then probably as much to install ...so, you save some money at first but, in the long run it is better to try and replace the tub if you intend to hold the property and/or will need to retile(the more expensive part of the renovation) and have good tenants that will not settle for small chips or signs of wear.Good luck!

So I was going to spend ~$50k on the renovation and I could spend $5k more to double the size of the kitchen & put in stainless steel appliances and it would be the best property for the money in the neighborhood - but it wouldn't get me more rent (plus a pool is a liability nightmare in a B- neighborhood)Good luck - those Podcasts listed earlier are awesome

Replaced all appliances with stainless steel.