If you're doing your part to upkeep the property then it's fair to expect the same from the tenant, which is basically what my advice follows.Just ask the tenant what happened so you know the root of the problem.

Like a tenant soap opera. 

I am about to relocate and will rent for 6months at my new location until I am sure it's where I want to plant long term roots.

I'm considering adding a laundry soap/softener vending machine next to my coin op laundry. the building is 11 units.

Roots are very much alive.

I'm not rooting for an interest increase due to my memories.

I'd think most small (and fading) towns are populated with people who have long term roots in the area- that means they also have family homesteads there.

My goal for 2014 is to buy/renovate four to five homes and buy and hold at least two additional rental properties.Currently, I'm a full time Federal worker (I write contracts) but my roots are in construction.

If it's all over the floor throughout the duplex then you can get a mop with a sctoch/brillow pad and just lightly buff the surface.It's worked for me on my rentals in past and I just use water with a couple drops of liquid dish soap

Local bank might take on a rehab loan but the larger regional and national banks that do not have deep roots in the area not so much.Most of these deals are HML loans.