If you put it in the laundry room, then you can also add a camera to watch it and the common area.If that's not an option, consider finding a trust-worthy Tenant with room - and willingness - to put it in their closet or up on a kitchen cabinet.

Notice them for oil build up on the cabinets, walls, etc.

If you are doing minor stuff, replacing a vanity, replacing cabinets in the kitchen no need to do the permits.

Painting the cabinets and the granite look countertops updates without being pricey. 

This of course is determined in the amount of work to be done.Things like paint, flooring, cabinets don’t need a permit or a licensed contractor but I typically buy full gut jobs that need extensive work.

Can contractors create missing parts for cabinets (like the one circled on the left) so that we won't have to get new cabinets?

Better to spend lots of time at the big box stores getting to know what lumber, drywall, paint, interior doors, base and case, windows, cabinets, toilets, tile, etc cost.

Use same paint color, flooring, cabinets etc on every project.

We were thinking to leave the kitchen cabinets but after reading some more, it seems like everything needs to go just to be safe?

Basically, it’s a full rehab of a house that’s in good shape but original condition where everything cosmetic would be replaced (lots of wallpaper, popcorn ceilings, wood paneling, old cabinets etc).