Upgrades in Rehab Rental in C class neigborhood

[Sean M.]

I purchased my first rental in a C class neighborhood. The house needs some rehab and I’d like opinion on:

- vinyl or stone tile in kitchen?

- add central air or replace window a/c?

- laminate countertop or quartz?

I am paying cash for the house and rehab, then will cashout refi when the home is rehabbed (giving me cash back for the next one). My lender, who is a flipper, said I should upgrade countertops and a/c so the appraisal comes back higher. He also said I could get more rent if I upgrade, which perhaps in a A-B class I could but is this true for a C class?

Would like your opinions. Thanks!