Regretted going with formica but added white subway tile backsplash & vinyl flooring ($200), scratch & dent fridge ($350), stove ($275), (very dented but repairable) over stove microwave $25 & a dishwasher $125.

It would be my primary residence for at least a year, so I'd want it to be nicer than a standard rental rehab i.e. hardwood floors throughout (maybe bamboo to cut some of the cost), exposed brick walls, 1.5 baths, subway tile in full bath, central air/heat with exposed ductwork, rooftop deck if city approves & budget allows (not a necessity though).

Re-tiled two bathrooms and sanded-refinished all hardwood floors.What was the outcome?

We currently live in Florida but are flying up there next month to try and get a lay of the land, and hopefully spend a couple of days checking out properties. 

Most of the material needed is already laying around the house.

Lay your cards on the table about your situation.

I have learned how to do tile work, electrical, drywall, and various other home improvement projects.

You also need some sort of "Scope of Work" as an addendum or referenced by the contract, that lays out in full detail EXACTLY what all is supposed to be done.Another important item is the "Payment Schedule", which breaks the project into measurable milestones that upon completion of each (AND ONLY UPON COMPLETION) - payment is issued.

Two questions: Bathroom floor, Vinyl plank or tile?

But i did every fix to this house, with granite, backsplash, tile, hardwood floors, a/c. ..