What are the 'norms' for the area for rentals in terms of landlord supplied appliances?

HVAC contractors do not lay off in the winter time there is no supply of technicians out there but there is plenty of demand so we will pay our people even if we don't have work to make sure that we don't lose an employee and I'm sure other contractors are doing the same thing.

He even plumbed in a 2" drain and a 1/2" water supply line into the aquarium cabinet for changing water in the aquarium. 

@Andre Minasyan,He mentions the supply vs demand issue.He did not mention the factors which are currently dampening demand.Lending is still quite dear, though there has been some improvement.

Check your local Plumbing Supply wholesaler - they deal with plumbers every day and can usually give you a couple of good recommendations...

My offer on a REO was rejected as too low - the issue with the townhouse is listed at (1)"system did not hold pressure due to damages, unable to find source of allleaks, water heater damaged at side where TPR valve damaged" and (2) "Water Supply and Sewage system was inspected for presence of obvious visible defects.

Occupancy has improved a lot since then. 5% actual with 5% economic might be more realistic for 2016. incremental rent growth after the property is stable is 2%I think we can safely assume a 3% growth rate going forward due to high demand and low supply (depends on your area). 

Don't assume your tenant will do that for you even if you leave a supply of filters onsite. 

The months supply has also gone down.

No negotiations can occur until after it is listed,the owner supplies all the required short sale documents, and a purchase agreement with a buyer, that the bank deems legit (POF, etc.) is submitted.