They don't want the large apartment complex where their apartment is a mirror image of the 400 other units.  

The mirror and lighting are a little old fashioned and are little things that can change the style quite a bit.

There was/is paraphernalia around (a mirror, rolled up dollar bills).  

Many of your thoughts mirrored my own response: This really depends on what that landlord’s criteria is.

She poured cooking oil on the carpet, pulled the bathroom mirror off the wall, I'm not sure what she did to the bathroom sink but it may need to be replaced.

However, the very same day we signed the lease and I handed them the keys, they asked if I could re-paint some of the walls to a different color and change out the closet doors to mirrored doors.  

As a man, picture shaving in front of the mirror and all you have is a pedestal sink, and no place to set down your shaving cream or razor.  

No, and it's also not very nice to park in a handicapped parking spot, unless actually handicapped, even if you found a mirror hanging thingie last week that doesn't expire for another two years. 

The lump sum is smoke and mirrors to get into a better property. 

It is also very interesting to see that your Chicago employment stat mirror that of S&P 500.