If a pipe broke in a wall/slab, or a line to the washing machine, ice maker, fridge, etc. busted, how is that the upper units fault/negligence? 

It has kitchen with range and fridge.

Obviously they are not responsible for any of the weather related damage; however, they had the power shut off and left spilt food all in the fridge/freezer, did not clean any bathrooms or kitchen, broke the built-in stereo system, left nails in every wall, paid nothing for the 14+ days after damage (we agreed to 50% of regular rent), the list goes on.

I'll find the house at the auction block eventually and have to deal with an old fridge and dried moldy Sheetrock sometime next year.

However, if you list the appliances in the lease as being the property of the owner, then it is your obligation to provide what is written in the lease.Just had a gas stove delivery today after three weeks, and two other deliveries are taking 30 days for a new stove and fridge.

Also included at base price are the basic quality appliances (AC, hot water, furnace, oven, microwave, fridge).

Some ideas: 1) put mini fridge, desk, chair, wardrobe, bed in each room. 2) Buy all common stuff such as toiletries, kitchen utensils, cleaning stuff.Cleaning: Arrange cleaning service twice a month at landlord's expense, this not only keeps the house in great condition but also can be leveraged to inspect the house.Laws: City of Seattle allows upto 8 unrelated persons in a SFH, so does Redmond and Bothell.

Cause usUnit for $500 versus $1000 has same fridge stove roof foundation whatever to repair at some point

Folks, this is a hotel room, consider towels left on floor, food in fridge, unmade beds, dirty counters, dishes in drying rack or dirty, etc is part of the cleaning.

maybe a retirement home since older people are less likely to walk off with the fridge. try investing in the best area in that bad city or just on the outskirts.