This is a personal choice, as I do not like dark houses.  

After listening to the podcasts and reading on BP, it sounds like a lot of successful investors started that way and it is a good way to limit risk but still getting skin in the game.

We use the same paint colors, faucets, light fixtures, door knobs, etc. in all of our houses.One glaring difference, or perhaps it's two - we do our own property management, and we don't usually have to market our properties.

I usually like to paint everything one color in hallways.  

sure this might be something to think about, of course you dont want to want tenant work on your house but a tenant that puts down $10,000 is not the regular tenant, he's got skin in the game, but of course you have to be careful with that, you gotta see whats his income?

Many, many ways to skin the cat.

Many of the banks these days want to see you have more skin in the game.Also agree with @Kanishk Dayal, highlight the benefits of owner financing to your seller in a very clear and simple document. 

I was going the dark route, (dark flooring and dark cabinets)..

They like to see that you have some skin in the game so to speak.  

Like skin inflammations..