I've selected Collin, Denton, and Grayson counties as my investment focus.My goals involve investing in multifamily properties and long-term rentals.

So what I always did / do is give an A  B  all cash offer lowest pricesell on terms  higher price. 

Yes quite a few of our 5,000 options have rate and term or purchase!

b) How do they (Cali Govt) deal with the damage, both in terms of who gets the blame and also where do they get the money?

In a simple way: you wouldn't go to the store and buy $100 in cash for $150.

Thankfully the lender talked me in to a 24 month term as it took us the entire 2 years!

However, a simple security system would deter this.Personal Safety -  I assume you are using their ID to run a background check and deciding if their history affects your safety, correct?

First, Texas is one of the most landlord friendly states in terms of laws.

Something simple along the lines of, no pets due to small shells and turf located at property that may hurt pets, would dissuade even service animal owners.  

If it was long term yeah you can make it clear upfront as a take it or leave it.