If the expectation in the market is to supply appliances (like for my Bay Area rentals), I need to keep appliances in the house for the next tenant.

Remember those Avocado appliances that is where I expect stainless will go one day as well as some of these other trendy items.However, if you are flipping right now they are probably right that elements of these styles may give you good appeal. 

The big items in this rehab includes:  -- landscaping - trim trees, remove weeds  -- remove popcorn ceiling, interior paint  -- kitchen/master bath/guest bath - replace counter top and sinks, re-paint cabinets, replace lighting and appliances (kitchen only)  -- garage - replace garage door, remove existing carpet (yes, 50% of the garage is covered in carpet), paint  -- doors - replace all doors   Would really appreciate your recommendation(s)! 

You also replace systems/appliances that are aging or will need work shortly. 

In addition to the loss of rent due to vacancy, I also have turnover costs for lead paint certification (~$260), cost of marketing materials, time & money spent to clean, paint, repair and prep the unit for new tenancy, showing the unit, holding open houses, making up new tenant handbooks, printing out new appliance manuals that got ruined or lost, etc.

And in any case thats only for small things like appliances.

If you buy it new most likely you will not experience that directly but you will have paid a premium for that by having newer units/appliances/roof, etc...

New entry doors, paint (on everything), flooring, light fixtures, replace all switches, receps, GFCI, countertops, backsplashes and appliances mainly.

Even if they have been in the house for 9 months, 12 months or 18 months, there is probably going to be more damage than you may think as opposed to higher-end properties.When many of my tenants vacated my lower income properties, they would tend to take parting gifts like electrical wiring, appliances and air conditioning units.

Appliance stores.Personal loan.