There is a wall between the kitchen in the dining room that is not load bearing so we would be able to knock it down, but then that would cut down on the space for appliances and cabinets.

I think I can make use of these cabinets and counters.

I actually did a complete rehab minus ripping out the cabinets, tub and shower in a 600 st ft apartment for $1500 in materials.

Does anyone have experience using the in stock cabinets from Lowe's?

Here was our order: had furnaces and condensers replaced, removed old carpet, demo-ed 1000 sq ft of tile on main floor, painted upstairs, tiled laundry, half bath, master bath and upstairs bath, tiled master bath shower, carpeted upstairs and master downstairs, painted downstairs and kitchen cabinets, installed engineered hardwood, installed granite, had plumber come to plumb the shower and kitchen.

You can offset a pantry if you have 36" tall upper cabinets, pending quantity. 

If nobody is in the home drive it first, look in the windows and see, if you can, if the cabinets are still there etc.Alos, people we have talked to about recent auctions say hedge funds are still bidding up the prices beyond reason on auction properties so set a max price and be prepared to "let it go".

We shipped in antique lighting, custom cabinets from Atlanta and spent MANY hours saving and repairing the original trim.

My daytime job is as a kitchen/bath designer and sales rep for a line of cabinetry.  I am interested in acquiring some rental properties and possibly rehabbing a few more places.

Usually an architect only draws the plans but an interior designer will choose paint colors, tile, cabinet finish, etc.