In an area with a lot of older (like me) folks I would think that 2/2 patio (zero lot line) homes might be a good bet.The don't like yard workThey've probably "downsized" and sold all the crap they were keeping in a storage facility.Smaller house equals smaller utilities.The downsize is that this demographic is made up of a lot of people from the RICHEST generation that ever walked the earth, so they tend to buy,not rent.

I get mine preprinted at dirtcheapsigns.com  then use roofing ring shank nails with plastic washers and nail them about 8-9' high on telephone poles around town, I use a step ladder to do mine.Any area will have distressed sellers and distressed properties needing repairs and updating.

Laminates have really been surpassed by the WPC (wood plastic composite) and EVP (engineered vinyl plank) flooring as well as the LVT click lock floors.

Alternatively, what about a tall propane patio heater (we've never had one), or would our liability be greater or the same with that?  

The new tenant who moved in last fall said the lint trap/plastic for it for this dryer just broke and needs to be replaced as it keeps falling out while drying and makes a lot of noise.

Cheap plastic bottles, gasoline, small kids, what could go wrong?

You could get one of those plastic shower enclosures.

I have had  them take stuff, but to me the worse was when they spray painted the kitchen cabinets and smashed random sides of the cabinet, cracked the glass on the stove, spray painted the inside of the frig and oven, cracked the blocks of the patio and left the spilt alcoholic beverages and ladies underwear all over the hardwood floors. 

(high density plastic composite)  2.37$/sqft3.Mohawk home luxury vinyl flooring 2.601$/sqft4. home depot  life proof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring 3.29$/sqftThis is for a Rental in the Spokane washington that will rent for about 2500 a month.

A mid-range Jacuzzi is half of that $20K budget, but doesn't include any patio concrete/stones, plumbing, electric, tiki hut lumber, and LABOR.