Wear all washable clothing, and a mask and gloves to shop. 

On top of that, the washing machine doesn’t get stains out and my clothes have no smell either.

I stopped by sometimes and the clothes of family four are all over the floor.

If they are there when you go to enter and won't allow entry, stay out, document it (video, if possible) and immediately file for eviction, for cause - they can't legally refuse entry for the repairs (but you can't force your way in, either).I had one tenant like this - no rent paid after move-in, they intentionally thru trash (and kids diapers) on their porch, rather than removing per the lease, piled clothes literally 2' high on the floors and then called codes enforcement due to the trash and lack of heat (it worked, it just couldn't get thru the piles over the vents).

from what I've read so far, I know that following big companies head quarters, town renovations (parks, town life), and even yoga studios are markers of an up ad coming neighborhood. are there ways to find out what companies are coming into a town before the market rises?

If she wants to move, she could stealth pack all her soft items (clothes, cookware, etc), get those out and gone one day, then hire a mover to get everything else gone in a day.

No new clothes, lattes, shoes, going out etc.

All 8 units are currently leased with 6 of the 8 units leased for the past 30 years by the Department of Human Services, another unit leased by US Cellular for the past 15 years, and the last unit leased by a small clothing boutique.

Change clothes in the garage. 

Never stored cars or tools, just racks of clothing and furniture.