He'd done it for so long that he'd stained the living room ceiling yellow... from the top down!

If I have to replace carpet because it is stained, again it comes out of the security deposit, but I was probably replacing anyways if they stayed there a while.

To prevent cost overruns and delays, keep close tabs on project schedules and spending.The optimal strategy for financing your first real estate transaction will ultimately rely on your personal objectives, financial situation, and level of risk tolerance.

What else can i ask just to prevent potential issues with a tenant.  

The MLS rules prevent your contact information from appearing on websites, but websites are required to show the listing broker phone number.

You as an investor also shouldn’t be greedy and it’s a perfect match :) (To prevent a misunderstanding: I knew the property was being renovated and unoccupied at the time of purchase, they've informed me during the offer.)+ In my 2nd property a well pump issue showed up after the renovations have finished.

At least it sits on their credit report and prevents them from scamming another landlord or qualifying for a loan.

They also smoked weed in the house stinking the whole house up badly and stained a brand new bedsheet, trespassed on our neighbors property making them very upset.

Seems like your biggest issue is rent - what is market rent and what prevents you from achieving that rent?

Some pieces might need some minor work like upholstering or staining