It won't show dust, footprints, or scratches as much as a darker color would.I'm also a big fan of large format porcelain tile.

Brand new appliances and laminate flooring in all rooms tiles in bathrooms.

I closed on the fourplex and as soon as I lifted the tile to begin renovations I discovered the wood trusses and sub-floors are shot and needs complete replacing due to past termite activity and leaks (it's a 100 year old building!).

In my A class homes I have put in granite, backyard decks, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplashes, etc.  

I think your best bet might be looking for a turnkey supplier.I did a google search for the best markets the invest in rental real estate and you see a few great options (I see Miami is some of the lists so I think they might be basing it more on recent appreciation and not the availability of deals.Once you identify a market, a good turnkey supplier can get you an easy in.Bob

So you may as well add new kitchens, baths, maybe a roof, probably a hot water heater, maybe an HVAC, maybe siding and Windows, definitely floors unless you go tile... to the "cash flow" model if your looking long term or expect to lose in appreciation rates relative to the guy up the street that just sold brand new trendy stuff. 

No problem, one thing to keep in mind, they have floor tile and they have wall tile, you can use floor tile on the wall but you cannot use wall tile on the floor.  

A couple of thoughts- that bathroom tile failing under the window seems to me strong evidence of leaking at the window and moving down the wall, whether it be from the shower or from outside.  

such as $500, if unit has carpet or $100 if tile?

We updated by painting most of the home, new white finish on cabinets, new dark finish on bathroom cabinets, new carpet in bedrooms, new flooring in one of the bathrooms, finish build out for mother in law basement apartment, new tile in kitchen of mil basement, new appliances, new countertop with granite top look paint kit.