For example, one of the lenders I deal with requires at least a 700 score for "rookie" developers with no experience and requires a 25% down payment and charges 13% rate and 2.0% fees.

You can have a box of items that are free for tenants to take/use: toothbrush, toothpaste, charging cables left behind from other guests, sunscreen, unused earplugs, etc.

It happens rarely enough that I haven’t taken the next step: to figure out how to let approved applicants tour apartments unsupervised."

There aren't many things that "appear" to be leaks, they usually are leaks and if it's been leaking since May you are going to have way more issues to worry about than a premium plumber charge.

They were nice and didn't charge me the 10% penalty though.       

Always charge at least some sort of security deposit, and the first months rent up front upon movein.7. 

Your landlord could also allow the charges to compile until you leave, then deduct it from your deposit. 

With TOU service you charge it at night for 5-7c/kw and use it during the day to arbitrage the price difference. 

I own a unique mobile home park in South Carolina that's relatively small (5 acres) comprised of 12 lots (I own 8 of the homes while the other 4 are owner-occupied and charged lot rent) along with a house (3 units). 

None of that is free, but probably well worth $30-$50/month or whatever they charge.