This way you could document things like holes in doors and have the tenant sign. 

@Bob To minimize you downpayment, you'll need to get a Fannie/Feddie style residential loan.

I personally would have a chat with the tenant about up-keeping the house and only ask for a monthly pet rent plus an additional security deposit (not a pet deposit) because of the indoor dog.

I guess my real questions is whether or not it is fair to replace the broken doors with the same style and quality, even though the originals are very old?

If no, than I would say wait to see how the market acts in that area and if you want to start buying rentals somewhere else, then you could keep or sell that one, once you do you can buy another in the great area you found.Do you see yourself hanging those property management style task?

Being new to this style of investing though we are taking it slow and working on learning the ropes.  

Styles and expectations vary quite a bit by location.

Maybe a more turn-key style would work.  

The book style maps are much easier to handle when you are in your car.

Especially for those who are trying to move from single family Residencial to  Apartment complex style strategies?