Regarding loan rates:Midsouth Homebuyers offer loans at 7.9% for foreign investors which is nothing to grumble at.

Leaving raw chicken in refrigerator, & they shut off the fridge... no notice,, odor reported,, had to enter and then found it.. just so you know.. you restart the fridge first and then get nose plugs.Raw chicken in washing machine... no notice odor reported.. this was bad..Crap in washing machine.

Upon entering the house, there is a strong unexplainable odor.

Baking soda is a good odor remover.

Also, smoking can damage the property and lead to costly odor removal.Licensed and insured - The contract must include copies of their license and insurance.Fixed Price for each line item - You cannot afford to pay by the hour, no matter how low the rate.Overwatch - Without a construction knowledgable person going on-site at least every other day, your job will take longer to complete, the quality will suffer, and the price will increase.Payment terms - 50% payment upfront, remaining upon final acceptance.Renovation creep - Do all that the property manager recommends and nothing additional.

The new carpet has been ruined by dog and people messes and, after professional cleaning, the odors still linger.

Since you stated you are going to replace the carpet I recommend spraying "Odoban" (about $10 for a gallon to dilute) or some other cleaner/smell remover over the pad (if you don't replace it since it will hold the odor) or on the floor if you remove the pad. 

Every cat I have ever had in a property has left odor damage.

There is some grumbling by the county that they'd also like to start a 3% tax on vacation rentals, but it hasn't been popular. 

Carpet is easily stained, damaged, it absorbs odors, and it is dirty.