You can deduct tenant-caused damages from the security deposit, but you can't deduct wear and tear or stuff that just breaks.  

I get complaints constantly about how quickly and easily the tenants damage the walls with minor scuffs and fingerprints, pretty much right from the day they move in. 

First off, semantically  speaking, your discussion lacks a definition for the word "Legal"  While there are contracts in which a breach is a punishable offense, I am assuming you mean "Legal" in the "right to seek compensation for damages" sense.   

I actually still have to complete an official walk-through with a contractor and based the estimates on a complete remodel being done - as there is foundation damage and the roof has not been done since the house was purchased in 30yrs ago.

Strong wind gusts and very dry conditions aren't helping with fighting the blaze and trying to contain the raging wildfire that is causing so much damage and grief.Can you imagine, going to the grocery store or visiting a friend down the street, and an hour later seeing smoke a few miles away, not thinking much about it or being very worried about it...but a few minutes / hours later being forced by order to LEAVE NOW and a few hours later you find out that multiple people are considered missing and that almost the whole town was completely wiped out... as if a bomb went off and flatted the entire area..Well, this is very much a reality for people Northern California in Butt County.

The unpaid rent cost you $1,500. the flooring replacement and other damages cost you $6,000.

It's pennies compared to the 11 PM phone call that a toilet exploded and you need to not only get someone down there to fix it ASAP, but you need to figure out what happened and get the tenant to pay for the damages. 

With my investments, everything is geared towards short-term stays, and I don't worry about things getting damaged because it's all meant to be replaceable.  

I've gotten response rates as high as 30% from sellers who have severe code violations (not just tall grass or broken windows but mold infestation, or even structural damage). b. 

We can charge for the cost of repairing damages caused by the tenant, but not for ordinary wear and tear.This clause in our rental agreement makes this clear:DAMAGES.