But I have pictures from before they moved in and plenty of pictures of the mess and damages. 

Just think about the worst damage a tenant can cause, such being liable for setting your rental house on fire or burning down your rental house and the neighbor's house, etc.

There were damages and loss of rent.One of the local utility companies verified there was no transfer of service.

Then deal with the cleaning.In my experience, short-term marijuana smoking hasn't caused any lasting damage.

The reason I ask if it used to ascertain damage to something on the lot (water/sewer/utilities hookups or something) and you don't have pics and mutually signed documentation from the lessor/lessee upon each tenant's move in prior to your ownership, would you be able to justify a charge upon move out?

You will have more bookings and less chance of damage/code enforcement calls with the smaller properties. 

I’m also having the termite damaged wood removed and replaced with new wood when I redo the back siding in the next 4 weeks.  

A slow leak has caused $2.5K damage to a rental property of mine.

I believe this may have been passed down to them prior and they don’t really do this often based on the condition of the home, and lack of communication.The back yard is overgrown with weeds, the sidewalk has been damaged and rubble for years now.

The seller has an obligation to minimize his damages, but he might be able to sue for the difference after he closes on the contract with the person whose word is good.