I like that little layer of security.

Furthermore for asset protection, you will want your layers of protection in place.

We told our tenants sorry, as-is, not a vital item...and this is a unit where rent is ~$1900/month.

The theme in the posts I am reading is that knowing the nuances of your rental market is vital.

I'm actually taking classes right now, the MLS is vital for what I do and need to have it.

Just put a little more down and it cash flows, or maybe the down payment is 5% so it doesn’t cash flow but otherwise it is a great deal, which is why people look at net operating income when comparing deals, then layer in the financing component.

It's much cheaper than setting up complex layers of protection. 

If you have the right subfloor for tile, or are willing to replace what you have with what you need (plywood, hardibacker, additional labor), tile is the best product.Search youtube and BP for installation tips, but the basics are:-level, 3/4" subfloor - no movement (sometimes requires shimming or replacing joists)-layer of hardibacker or cement board -plan and play with your start/end points and layout with tiles before mixing any thinset/adhesive-aim to avoid "skinny cuts". try to have as many whole tiles and half tiles as possible-for floors: use a thinset (mortar based) product to adhere tiles to floor-for walls: use the thinset OR pre-mixed glue adhesive to adhere tiles to wall-after proper dry time, mix grout and apply to all seams.

It's vitally important to know who you are working with, and have the history of the players involved.

Some newer construction even uses double layer of sheetrock on the walls between units.