They brighten and expand kitchens, creating a fresh, open feel that is very attractive to potential tenants.

Hello BiggerPocket MembersI am looking to renovate one side of my duplex, which is going to be available soon here in North west New Jersey I would need to change the flooring, the kitchen countertop and the shower.I am looking for thoughts and ideas for the following:1) For the flooring - what would be the  better option? 

That is wasted space in the bedroom otherwise and provides a bit more space in the kitchen area where the tenant may be able to drop in a table.From an MEP standpoint you should verify how far away you are from a plumbing stack and logistics of venting the dryer to the exterior.

Some of the problems I say was foundation, roof, electrical, no driveway and that’s not including cosmetic work for the kitchen and bath.

roof,windows siding and all the cosmetics kitchen and bathrooms, updated mechanicals and central air What was the outcome?

Some of them had the original kitchen just painted. 

Here area few other options:Basis adjustments: Add in every improvement you made over the 30 years—kitchen remodels, roof, windows, decks, etc.

After replacing the electric panel, painting, updating the kitchen, treating for termites and removing the popcorn ceiling i’m pretty sure we have about $50,000 or more in equity currently.

I was living in a bedroom (had its own bathroom) with my girlfriend and sharing the kitchen with Airbnb guests.

You could do some renovations while you're living there, upgrade the kitchen and bathrooms to add value and you're on site to see the work. - buy a duplex here and rent out the other side.