Plus the FMR and Section 8 payment is way more than my carrying costs, spec since I buy multi families, so Its not like its decimating my monthly gross by taking care of some place.

I had all new smoke detectors with 10 year batteries put in, so I wouldn't have to worry about changing dead batteries - that beeping can ruin a guest's vacation. 

This is what I just finished installing in my spec house today. https://www.happyfeetinternati...I was recommended to install tight to wall so butt joints can not separate.

Despite one of the best cashflow and being t he 3rd most competitive market for renters we don't have a national rental company here (except Grape Vine dabbling a little) Wow thats amazing NO national builder do you  know what volume the largest local spec builder does..

The long term goal is to do custom homes, starting with spec builds.

And see how many spec builds are listed (almost no spec builds at all - whereas two the three years ago it was probably close to 30 or 40).

I have used Blink cameras, which are battery operated with great features, but they have to connect to a WiFi network.

Did the painter spec out this in the proposal?

For example, if you were rehabbing an old house with plaster walls, the insurer might spec them to be replaced with drywall and base their payout on that BUT the public adjuster digs into all those details and makes them payout based on plaster because that is what is there originally.

Regardless of direction you go, the allowances in your contract should be clear and quantities and material specs should be clearly defined.