$500 here $500 there certainly adds up, but the kitchen is a huge area of focus for buyers, so it'll be worth it vs. a $500 closet system or $500 tile upgrade in the entryway.Also, its my opinion and experience that most buyers (and therefore the market force) don't look at functionality - they look at flash.

Just seems better to lay the ground work now and build it once.

.$35 per sq ft here in the Seattle area for a cosmetic rehab including tile, countertops, carpet, paint, light fixtures, etc.

I'm paying $100 more a month, but I got these new appliances-or countertops, or tile in the bathroom, etc.

You could pre-build wall or floor panels in your garage, and there are cheaper fiberglass roof tiles.

If you want a lay of the land when you get here reach out.  

My current house (that I rent) this happened with the previous tenant and the landlord laid a decorative tile "hot plate" over it rather than replacing the whole counter. 

I'm sure they could really help you understand the lay of the land there. 

A land surveyor could lay out a subdivision for you and perhaps the house would be on of the newly created lots.

The reason I say unique is because of the lay out of the property, with the 2 unit and then a standalone cottage.