Once the property gets tight and has to skimp on repairs, maintenance, marketing, etc. it ofter enters a death spiral that is very difficult to recover from. 

, yard - may exceed total security deposit which you can't easily recover?)

Paypal typically recovers disputed amounts from recipient immediately, until dispute is resolved.- Venmo: probably similar risks to Google Wallet or Paypal- Cozy: allows tenants to pay with credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, etc.

I found BP about a year ago while medically recovering and I have still not decided what to do.  

I have bad credit, very little cash reserves, and am recovering from a year long health condition (I've recovered).  

The value never really recovered from 2007.

We're also challenged by wanting to make it look nice, but not too nice (to avoid costs we couldn't recover)... it's in a C+ neighborhood.

You cannot recover legal fees on a residential lease in Ohio.There are 2 "causes" in eviction cases, first cause- the issues of possession; second cause - money damages. the second cause takes the place of any need for small claims court. i would find an attorney familiar with the eviction process.

I found BP about a year ago and because I was medically recovering I have spent a bunch of my time learning since I am stuck at home.  

The owner of record seeks in good faith, without ulterior reasons and with honest intent, to recover possession for his or her own use and occupancy as his or her principal residence, or for the use and occupancy as a principal residence by the owner of record’s spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, or grandparent. a.