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. 

Very satisfied with the work.They were the least expensive quote at 12k, I received 6 quotes total. 2 said they outright didn't want the job and the additional quotes ranged form 18k to 25k.- All in price was 14k.

What price range are you looking at?

I swapped the sign for a hand written "Se alquila" (for rent in Spanish) written in Sharpie, and my phone rang off the hook non-stop.

I swapped the sign for a hand written "Se alquila" (for rent in Spanish) written in Sharpie, and my phone rang off the hook non-stop.

There are places for rent in their price range but not in the location they want.

To widen the driveway, I'd like to trim half of a 10 foot tall and maybe 7-8 ft wide privacy hedge (my adjoining neighbor is ok with that).One issue I'm running into - talking with others it's possible that the machines used to help trim (and tear out?)

Curious to know what the industry standard is, was informed by a few that it ranges anywhere from 10-20%. for that 10% difference is there a difference in service I should expect?

I’ve heard theories ranging from hedge funds restricting supply to drive up prices and talk of shadow inventory waiting in the wings for foreclosures to start again.

This means; not based on trends and reactive markets (TX, Vegas, etc. at the moment for example) and those that fall into historical predictability - as 'predictable'  as REI is anyway.This is going to range on what you yourself feel personally comfortable with in terms of your numbers/financial goals and what key things you decide are important.