@BunsenBurner is right about the budget! I checked the options today in person, the white sample was quite matte finish, dirty, smudged, etc. Vetoed that for a VRBO! The other choices were a gray-wash (like white wash only gray), a dark dark wood and a light to medium tone Birch Shaker style. I chose the Birch Shaker, thanks all for the help.
Now, what about those skinny horizontal tile accent pieces? For an example, like this in a shower:
https://www.houzz.com/product/5641224-bliss-cappuccino-stone-and-glass-linear-mosaic-tile-sample-contemporary-mosaic-tile
The birch shaker style sounds great!
I like the tile, my H hates it. He thinks it’s too trendy and will date things. But I see tons of it everywhere and it’s really pretty.
Since you asked 
, not a fan of those skinny tiles personally. I think it already looks dated. Too ubiquitous and I connect them to a lot of low end renos and condos I’ve seen.
The cabinets sound great. I’m not a fan of the tile, but that’s just me
Subway tile.
I agree that subway tile is a classic that will always look nice. The skinny tiles are already out of style in my opinion.
The cabinets sound fantastic. The skinny glass tiles are out of date. Subway tile is classic. A nice stone mosaic for accent is a good choice.
I definitely think white will soon be out and here is why. A friend of ours does kitchen cabinets and he said he is so sick of putting in white kitchens, he could scream. The pendulum swings… I also think subway tile is trendy because it is now “everywhere” and it was basically non-existent 10 years ago.
In my neighborhood some houses still have their original subway tiles in the kitchens and bathrooms - dating back to the 1920s.
Subway tile has been a standard for decades. Others come and go but subway tile continues popularity - it may not be the “most” popular at a given moment but since the 20’s as mentioned above, has stood the test of time.
Also, subway tile gives a nice clean visually uncluttered look which I think is a plus for a rental - you want it to look clean and roomy and uncluttered visually.
In our area painted wood cabinets are very popular, but not all pure white. I became very conscious of this a few years ago when we had to redo our kitchen. I started taking a peek at the kitchen in every house I could, plus talked to all friends and neighbors who had recently redone kitchens, Its all painted wood around here. We went with a color called mushroom which is a bit darker than your typical off-white. That said, I could see where painted cabinets might not be good for a rental where people aren’t going to be particularly careful.
white must still be in.
Our dishwasher just broke and the ONLY choices for replacements: white, black, or stainless.
What no avocado? 
I completely agree and would also extend this to the topic of white cabinets. A quality, traditional white cabinet is always appropriate. There are times they may be somewhat less popular but the trend will always swing back because they are just so darned classic and timeless.
The skinny tiles have way too much grout. One reason I don’t like them. That and the trendiness. Agree with others -go with subway and spend more on quality grout that needs no sealing (epoxy is expensive, but there are apparently cheaper alternatives). That will keep the kitchen looking nice longer.
I am so totally over those skinny tile mosaics. I thought they were interesting when I first saw them in Home Depot many years ago, but now, having seen them in SO many kitchen photos it is clear that they do not wear well, visually. Very tiresome, already dated I’d go with subway tiles all the way. I do also have a fondness for glass tile back splashes, especially in the subway tile dimension. I don’t know whether those will become extremely dated also, but they are pretty, simple, soft on the eye, and a nice balance between vintage and modern, to me. So far i haven’t found myself getting tired of them.
Recently saw the kitchen of my dreams. Had dark granite countertop AND backsplash (so no grout). Cabinets were simple shaker style, medium stained wood. Simple, elegant… NOT cheap ;-/ I’d never use white in a rental (or in my own home). Love the look, but white just doesn’t stay white. White plastic turns yellow. White painted, gets dirty (although can be re-painted). I’d also never use small glass tile splash. I personally think it is too busy – not to mention will be dated. imho…
Re: southwest AZ/NM vibe
A white-ish theme could go well if you combine with spanish tile, terra cotta, stone/concrete counters, etc…
https://www.houzz.com/photo/18438401-eclectic-kitchen-remodel-eclectic-kitchen-albuquerque
^This one might be a little over the top for a rental, but you get the gist
I love white kitchens. In New England and FL, they are always nice. That said, I used maple when redid my kitchen, as it blended. I used hand made Encore subway tiles. I don’t know if future buyers will like my taste, but they are my favs among the subway tiles.
Given a choice I will always have white cabinets.