I have a list of items my PM is recommending to meet the section 8 standards, I want to make sure all of them are necessary.

In the CA RE contract, that's the standard language it states.  

All the above said, standard maintenance goes a long way to protect the lifespan of a system. 

So I'm planning on having a set number of items for a standard bathroom remodel, general for the kitchen, etc.

I get about 100 visits per month and anywhere from 5 to 10 contact forms filled out from those 100.I will have to check out Trevor's stats on his blog to see if that fits in with the standard.

In my experience, it is pretty standard for second lien lenders not to allow for a non-occupant co-signor.

amazing stuff right here @Joseph ConreyI do not have kids yet but I will definitely make sure my kids are reading, understanding and hopefully living by these standards. 

I do know that tile is MUCH easier to clean between tenants than the standard inserts.

Yes, I definitely understand arbitrage and I understand that most people can deduct student loan interest (assuming they itemize their deductions; however most people don't since the standard deduction is usually higher).  

Typically it is much less than say a standard triplex.