What I want to know from this is, am I being taken for a ride, or am I behaving naive and unreasonable?

she will fight you tooth and nail if you keep her.I think in your case, the relationship may not be salvageable, i.e. you won't be able to gain control since she already got away behaving this way, easily. 

In this example the contractors obvious racism would not likely have a negative impact on my business leaving me to select based on all other factors.If I did however hire him I would be having a discussion in advance regarding his attituded make it crystal clear, on the personal side, that  he is to keep his opinions to himself on my property if he expected to be paid.

Our worst ever tenant was rude and badly behaved at a meeting before moving day.

I will now be having them do semi annual maintenance at the home and checking the air filters when they do it and having the manager check them during his 6 month and year inspections.

It means that you cared more about turning a profit than in creating a safe and legal dwelling... and behaved in a criminal way to conceal your misdeed. 

Also recommendations for any reputable companies land owners have worked with, that behaved honorably after the leases were signed, would be appreciated.ThanksRobert

If the kids don't behave or the adults don't control them that's an automatic rejection.When I collect cash rents (something I try and train my tenants not to do) my partner knows where I'm going and if I don't check back soon calls me.But times are getting tough out there and the crime rate is certainly rising.This can be a tough business and you are correct to be concerned about your safety.

Nobody knows what the future holds but with the possibility of all of us losing some ability to shelter income the discussion now is purely academic.If a corporation is set up then we are looking at the possibility of double taxation.I have about 20% of my net worth in deferred accounts so not feeling like there is too much there.I don't know what my brackets will be having 3 months of W2 this year and don't know what my income will be next year when (and if) I get something going.

We think this helps guests behave and gives us peace of mind that we can reclaim part of that deposit in case anything goes wrong.