Then I'll focus on paying off mortgages and making my investments "safe" instead of focusing on growth.

Take that away by making it clear you will pay for, even supply, all materials. 

Quote from @Michael Brzozowski: If you need renovations once you decide on something, im contractor currently looking for investors to work with:) I will keep this in mind.

Quote from @Kenzer Hodgson: Quote from @Trent Reeve: personally, i think a dynamic pricing tool will pay for itself (should be around $20/month). it will help with far out/near time pricing, minimum stays, etc. 

There they have a much higher likelihood to get tenants who will pay not to mention respect the property and make things easier for everyone. 

The second part of it is paying the owner their equity.

Do a little research on using CC's for your business and paying 0% interest - there are quite a few people who teach about this.

A "professional" tenant can draw out an eviction and and strip anything of value from the home, costing you tens of thousands without batting an eye.There are stories of people living in a home for over a decade without paying a dime.

I immediately offered to pay the cost to my tenants to make it more accessible.

No one in their right mind is going to file a lawsuit over 2k.. they may and should just take you to small claims and or as Greg stated file their lien and wait.Also work done to YOUR satisfaction is a pretty weak argument and totally subjective.