I've been in homes that smelled pretty good on the day of move-out but two days later reeked of animals or smoke!

Bad idea, outside of the "smell test".....depreciation is just basically an interest free loan, if you don't 1031, since you pay back 25% on all those deductions when you sell.  

I lost the battle, but I wanted to turn that situation into a learning experience and ask my out-of-state bigger pockets investors what strategy they look for in an agent?  

I have been in many homes where some of the other signs ( smell of rotting eggs, corrosive bath fixtures, corrosive AC )  do not exist.

At the same time these amazing officers and sergeants that can lead a group succesfull into battle are the ones that let people move into houses without giving security deposits etc.

At least from the attacks I received here it has the smell of taking it personally.Best!

I could detect the smell in the bathroom, but it was not overpowering, and I couldn't detect any cigarette smell in any other part of the house.Confession time was over, I proceeded with inspection.  

I see how it's an uphill battle for sure.

Incidentally;  a substantial part of my anti pet stance is that I ate, hate, HATE the smell of dog and cat poop and pee.

You would have to find a lawyer to fight this battle for you.