They left me a giant pile of dirty dishes on the sink, a trashcan and recycling bin that overflowed to the floor and stained the wall and floor, a dirty floor and a stove top covered in grease and food particles that were even smeared on the wall.

You can also go get a small loan on a vehicle or something from a place that does payments for a stove or refridgerator, etc. 

Note the items must be undamaged.CabinetsCabinet knobs and door handlesLumberAppliances (in working condition): washing machine, stove, dishwasher, refrigeratorWindows and DoorsBathtubs, sinks and toiletsLight fixturesWood flooring and tilesSo where can you donate these items?

Let me know what you think.This is for a SFR is Indianapolis, Indiana.Front burners on stove don't work1.5Need replaced the burners and drip pansflooring needs evaluated in kitchen/bathroom- soft spots/slopes2.

So, basically the value of this unbelievable all white brick and stucco house with two fireplaces and a mancave with a Vermont casting ceramic stove was limited by the comparable properties around it.  

You are right when you say they can't be used for the appraisal, typically the stove needs to be removed and the gas has to be capped, so I would run your numbers in both cases but assume the worst make sure numbers work that way.Chicago isn't too different from other areas of the country, the highest ROI items are typically kitchen and baths, but if you can add additional bedrooms or SF that is where the real value is added.Is there a specifc area you are looking to purchase in?

Will there be an oven/stove?

My section 8 tenant asked to buy her own appliances (electric stove and refrigerator) is it a good idea to allow that and make her sign and addendum to be attached to the lease.

Currently we have a pellet stove and baseboard heaters.

For the gap, have it right next to the stove and leave it large enough to be functional (8 inches or so).