what I think most don't realize is when they are buying a rental in the mid west or that  new thing that is going around a BRRRRin most instance those houses look like that because of tenant abuse.. some are owner abuse but most are just recycled properties were tenants have beat the crap out of the houses and beat the crap out of the landlord who did not realize what they were getting into and or cant fathom or comprehend how people can live like that.

I am afraid though this process is being abused by buyers to take a property off the market and after the buying process has moved down the road maybe two weeks, they ask for concessions for items found in the inspection that were obvious even to the layman.

Here's an article about a case I read about regarding Section 8 not having to be accepted:http://realtytimes.com/todaysheadlines1/item/2224-...Specifically, here are the most pertinent paragraphs relating to Section 8 not being income:The allegation that the Fair Employment and Housing Act was violated centered on the prohibition against housing discrimination on the basis of "race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, or disability of that person."

When I had was in my owner occupied duplex I had a clause in my lease about abusive behavior being grounds for terminating the lease (I specifically included verbally abusive behavior because I can't stand hearing couples fight).

I believe Dave's classes and book are more designed for debt abusers and those that could not control their spending.  

@Brian FernandesI've found that paying utilities for tenants can be beneficial as long as you have their respect and they will not abuse it. 

@Cat R: Depending on the extent of “taking advantage” of your 78 yo (or anytime since back when he was over 65) father, you may have a case of financial elder abuse (does not have to be done a relative or caretaker.)

"In addition, the trial court noted several other aggravating factors, including Bigelow's failure to successfully complete probation, his pattern of physical abuse toward women, his history of substance abuse, evidence of multiple instances of molestation toward the victim, and his violation of a position of trust."  

Staining is another issue you may need to contend with.I then laid 244 1x2 Porcelain tiles in the kitchen on my current rehab & after all the abuse the tile has been subjected to (as we advanced through the home) the only casualty was some minor grout cracking.

Also, there can be other protections afforded by the law (in some areas), such as the victim may not be responsible for damage directly caused by domestic violence (though the abuser still could and wasn't he your tenant too?).