I'm also going through the unit to do any basic repairs and test the fire/smoke detectors too. 

This can be way more cost effective than calling a smoke and fire restoration contractor that is used to just trying to max out the insurance. 

It seems like many smart locks have too many bells and whistles for this application.Because the basement currently can be accessed by anyone -- I don't want to make any assumptions about who has left things hidden in my basement ceiling or who may or may not be trying to smoke in a basement with natural gas heating fixtures.

New kitchen, bathroom, flooring throughout, as well as cigarette smoke mitigation. 

Good Morning BP folks,  I have a SFR (3bd/1bath) under contract that has heavy smoke damage. 

See how many are smoking in the parking lot.

an damaged microwave , it smoked from overdraw with running 2 freezers off a unauthorised surge strip outlet on 15 amp an extreme overloads with 6 strip outlets an wires running out door [ many major  fire codes violations] Can the cost on electrician ,that proved the circuits were overloaded   - [an he warned her on nec an fire  codes  an dangers of her overloading outlets, an  the wires going out front door]    on that 15 amp she illegally ran a strip outlet w freezers  an other circuit w 15 plugs on 1 -- be deducted along with the microwave replacement cost since it popped an smoked kicking breaker by her unauthorised freezers?

If your in the Chicagoland market 12% is the going rate unless your lender is family or friends.  8% would be a smoking deal as @Rick Pozos mentioned.  

Curious to see what 2021 brings...We are getting a lot of residential relocation clients from the southwest - number one reason I hear is smoke from fires, followed by cost of living and fresh water.

Literally contractors hear people talk like that all the time and 90% of the time they're blowing smoke to try and justify that they should be charged less than a "normal customer".