re: Home owner questions:

I would not put your extra laminate outside. It will not hold up to the moisture and humidity. Other than that, all of your ideas are good. Keeping the house up to date with flooring and paint and redo kitchen and bath will get you the best return on investment. Also landscaping to add curb appeal will help with selling.

For a 100% return, I would probably sell it to use the extra equity as a downpayment on a new house, but it is tempting to rent when you will own it free and clear very quickly. Then you have the extra monthly income plus the equity is still there shoudl you decide to sell later.