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).

Additionally, Section 8 does yearly inspections ( a good thing in my opinion) and will send a repairs list to you that sometimes involves very trivial repairs (cabinet hinge loose, etc).

Paint the kitchen cabinets white.

I Just started building a Spec I will live in for a couple years and as soon as i prove concept and have my numbers verified (when complete) I plan to build another on the lot I own next door,  My calculated build cost will be $125/sq ft (for just main floor finished, that will drop to $85/sq ft with my lower level finished, thats with me doing a ton of work myself, for example, I am the GC (Licensed) , I am the HVAC Contractor (licensed) and I will be doing all the tile, finish work, cabinets, flooring, ect. and for my house I will do the lower level framing, electrical, plumbing, and finish work after occupancy.

The cost should already account for the types of finishes for flooring, cabinets, tile, etc otherwise you can’t possibly calculate what your renovations costs are.

It would need very little work to put in place as a rental - paint, replace BR carpet, possibly replace some appliances/toliets and possibly paint kitchen cabinets.  

We also painted the cabinets and replaced the hardware and kitchen faucet.