Repaint all wallsInstalled recess lightsReplaced carpet with laminate flooringInstalled electric security gate on balcony Upgraded new windowsUpgraded new AC unit

I was thinking about repairing the fence, repainting the entire house and changing the carpet.

We repainted the whole unit, everything was honey oak wood-wise, so we stained the doors, updated the hardware, stained the windows, and painted the fireplace and trim white.

We replaced the shower, bathtub, toilets and repainted.

We added a new roof, completed repainted the interior and exterior, added backslash in the kitchens, updated appliances, brought the insulation up to code, updated fixtures throughout, and cleaned up and simplified the landscaping.

It took more of our time to rent (no huge open house - We showed to each prospective tenant individually), but it was only vacant 1 month and about 2 weeks of which were spent on the tenant turnover (previous tenant was there 5 years so painted all interior, replace 2 out of 3 faucets, replaced all internal water valves and hoses, laundry roof needed some repair, repainted car port, replace one bathroom fan, replaced 3 blinds, some work to closet doors: turnover cost was ~$4k).You seem to have done your due diligence. 

Cabinets are slightly banged up and would like to sand and repaint them white.

Link to ZillowFor what it's worth, we do plan to repaint before the next tenant to a more neutral color. 

And we will retain the deposit to pay for the complete repainting and sanitizing.

If the pencil markings on the door can be washed away, you can't charge them to repaint or replace the door.Your tenant may not have “tried to cover up stuff with paint”, maybe they were trying to do their part and fix their mishaps, maybe not.You mentioned this is your first time dealing with a move-out and processing the security deposit.