@Bob Mazza, I agree with much of what others already posted here - oil stains on the carpet and globs of grease caking walls, stove, floors, etc. is NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR.

@Kevin Cenna Piece of cake!  

The "tenant" caked us Thursday and asked us what this contract was, all it was was a termination notice that said he would vacate the premises by June 30th, and that we would give him cash for keys, clean the place up, with no damage (like removing his windows) took a little talking, but he signed it, and we told him we would bring in a trash dumpster so he could throw things away, which happens this Tuesday.

I always enjoy your post, but this one takes the cake..."

Eviction for a lack of rent payments is a cake walk compared to eviction for any other lease violations.

You're trying to have your cake and eat it, too.I'd be really surprised if these applicants accepted that deal. 

@Joe Villeneuve@Bob Bowlingyou guys are both right... in the mid west markets were appreciation is icing on the cake and rarely if ever happens and actually depreciation of rentals is common.. then of course buying negative cash flow would be financially unwiseIn CA ( the better areas )  negative cash flow is perfectly fine as appreciation over time and super hot rental market will over time out shine small monthly positive cash flow amounts.

That last part really took the cake.   

I've often found some weird things left behind after tenants move out, but this one might take the cake. 

If I had a good paying, responsible tenant who stayed 14 years, I would happily return the full deposit and bake the relatives a cake too!