Ideal flooring and such for rental unit

[Ben S.]

I'll be rehabbing several homes soon as rentals. They are small rural 2/1 homes and will be fairly mid grade. The rehab will be pretty extensive, so I can pick everything such as flooring (carpet? vinyl? laminate?), countertop (laminate? granite? butcher block?), fixtures (ceiling fans), patio vs deck?, roofing (asphalt? metal?), etc. If you had your chance to pick everything from scratch for your rental, what materials would be most cost effective? 

I don't mind spending more on something that will be more durable and have a longer life before needing replacement. Also anything to lower insurance would be helpful. Thanks.