I think people were/are just trying to avoid agreeable gray.

You are looking at this through the lense of cash flow, don't forget you are also paying down the mortgage and might see some appreciation, so equity growth might be more than cash flow.

Starting all over from scratch... my gray hair is turning back black....LOL.   

this is where the gray area comes in with accounting.

It tends to hide marks better.Walls: Neutral tones like SW Repose Gray, Behr Swiss Coffee, or Moore Classic Gray are renter-friendly and modern.Trim and Doors: Use a crisp white like SW Extra White or Moore Chantilly Lace.Accent Walls: For a touch of style, consider an accent wall in soft blue-gray. 

I find myself selling stuck in the gray-zone of $160-$180/mo.

We usually redo the concrete walks or steps if they are old, graying and in need of repair.

They have orange poppy curtains with gray too.  

You GOTTA use WIDE-angel photos. many phones have great features for this now, or there is app's for it, or lenses, lens adapters. get something, anything, or buy a new phone that does it.

We use a color called Shoji White, which is kind of gray/beige white, has enough color that it can pop white trim but is light enough on the wall to match anything.