For example a dated kitchen with walls yellow from cigarette smoke and a 60 year old oven is fine, a kitchen that you can't cook food in is not fine -- even if it is otherwise modern, new, and clean. 

currently needing to upgrade a new property of mine and am stuck trying to figure out which would be my best option to go with: Combination CO2 & Smoke alarms that are 10yr sealed or just plain jane battery operated.

That's why we put in smart smoke/CO detectors, water leak sensors, smart thermostats and video doorbells in our units (connected by a hub).

@Ryan KeenanHoly smokes what a story!

Thanks Jeremy, To provide an update, I got an estimate from a local contractor in Detroit and he said it is mostly smoke damage and only upstairs.

Here is a breakdown of the items they saw that needs attention.Needs minor trash removal; needs mownSupport post trim needs replaced; badly deteriorated; upper trim needs scraped and paintedBroken panes on side back needs replacedReplace fixture on front porch; flood lights on backNeeds some minor trash removed and minor work done220 wiring needs secured;not up to code, needs to be placed inside conduit.Install new furnace filterClean and paint register ventsInstall apprx. 4 door stopsFull interior rent ready cleaning required after all work completeReplace as needed to match all light bulbsSteam clean all carpet; sweep and mop vinylReplace missing storm door, paint interior doorPaint all wallsPaint door; interior shows signs of previous leak, but doesn’t appear to be a current problem; paint interiorSeal gaps in side window; paint all; seals appear damaged on double pane windows; may not be an issueReplace screensInstall two smoke detectorsInstall two blindsTouch up, as neededPaint all window sealsSeals appear bad; paintInstall screenVery old and drawers fall out; should be replaced with new; secure handles, if keptHas several large chips; functional sink otherwiseInstall two strainers Install fire extinguisherPaint side exit doorEstimated cost is $4,000. 

I guess it’s a culture thing  when I worked for a big syndicator in the 80s.. they kept having fires .. turned out some of the folks that came in after the war were using the sink in the bathroom to put coals in it and cook their BBQ right there.. it was a mess and this probably pre smoke alarm days..

Honestly you’re blowing smoke just come clean so you don’t ruin the rest of whatever credibility remains 

I have a Google Form that I'm using for initial screenings that ask four of our biggest questions (smoking, income, etc.) but I'm not sure where to go from there.

@Matt McGuire what's the lease say about smoking?