If they ever squeak through our process, they are consistently riskier tenants in terms of default and damage. 

In fact find them now before the deal and most likely it will damage the little rep you have.When I get a message from a "wholesaler" saying "Hey I am John, we get a ton of deals every week that don't fit our criteria.

Also be aware that you cannot count on Airbnb Cover, you have to jump through so many hoops to get your money for guest damages.

Only thing that is worrisome is that the unit without power was the former owner occupant who damaged the property before moving out.

I don't see why someone pending eviction versus someone paying rent would have any impact on your policy.I don't see anything stopping a person from leaving the water running, to run up a bill or to damage a property.

This would permanently damage the window, and so I'm looking for an alternative.

Any recommendations / advise on pursuing a full scrape vs. mitigating damages after a house fire? 

It had water damage and mold but professionally restored.

. $200k in damages.

In my area in Tahoe there is commonly snow damage and subsequent water damage.