Is there a certain low maintenance type of carpet I should be considering, extra padding, a way to preserve the hardwood, etc.?

If the city has a tree preservation ordinance there are a lot of rules.  

So, remind them of that and you might even just pop off an email to them every month or so, asking if there were any issues you need to know about, in order to preserve your good credit.But, this is why I think landlords make a mistake when they rely too heavily on a cosigner. 

Bottom line:  you cannot build and preserve wealth if you fail to mitigate risk.  

I used these on hard surface floors and have been glad I did (they get beat up but the floor underneath is preserved).I also advise tenants on having a rug/ pad/ protector under any sharp furniture legs and to look out for gravel stuck in your boot, etc.An added benefit: on the turnaround you just sweep/vacuum and damp dust/swiffer the floor and it is ready for the next tenant (provided it did not get damaged).

It sounds like you want low-stress, preservation of capital that generates monthly income.

In every case, the Board's #1 JOB is to preserve, protect, and maintain all common and limited common elements, and, in most states, they have full authority to assess fees to accomplish this with reasonable planning.

Tree preservation ordinances are usually based on what's forested, and well, you can't preserve what isn't there.

So the bank might be owed more than the debt due to paying for things like property taxes and HOA fees and forced placed property insurance and property preservation (think boarding up windows and winterizing when vacant), in addition to things like attorney's fees, late fees, interest, and missed loan payments.

You can negotiate whatever terms you like and you can preserve your capital.