I know of folks who have LTRs near bodies of water (Mystic, Goshen etc) and I’ve looked into it but not nearly enough to provide any sort of advice.

Above everything I have already stated, it's also home to The Ohio state university, headquarters for L-brands (Bath and Body Works, victoria secret, and Pink), White castle, Wendys, and the new Chipotle headquarters is being finished up downtown.  

I don’t think ANYONE read the title of your post or even the body of it. 

It’s good advice but not practical as then no body needs any insurance.

The smaller house has an unbearable smell from previous cats and have had multiple inspectors check it out and all suggest to just get rid of the house entirely.

As we shared in our earlier comment, there is a substantial body of work--from think tanks, academics, non-profits and journalists--that speaks to this matter. 

I.e. tenants have big dogs, house smells like piss, but they haven't complained- it's from their dogs!

Fixing up cosmetics, redoing the kitchen and bathroom which were very ugly and getting rid of the smell...

Purchase price: $130,000 Primary residence bought with immediate equity due to needing a host of repairs, smelling bad, and the cosmetics being out of date.

Does any body have recommendations for appliances where to get them for a flip, obviously want it to look modern and good for new buyers however is Lowe’s and Home Depot my only options or is there other places I should be looking?