@Steven Sager @Bryan OttesonRegarding the plastic owl as a deterrent. 

And especially for the visual :) I had already painted the garage door a tan(ish) color to try to make it blend in more-- do you think I should go back and try white instead?

I learned not to show units while occupied, mainly because applicants can't visualize their stuff in the apartment, if the current tenant's stuff is still there.  

I think a lease is a big deterrent to moving out in the middle of a lease, but other landlords may have a different experience. 

Make sure they know they should have their insurance up to date and that the cameras are a deterrent, not a prevention.

A visual inspection done by my Handyman on 21st July 2016 and then again myself on July 25th 2016 did not show any visible signs of leaks or moisture. --- (your daughter) was with me during my walk though and we both saw no signs of mold that day.An AC technician was called on July 31st.

Hmmm well I don't have a lot of personal experience with this, but my initial opinion is that it's basically a deterrent to having pets on the property - in which case, if you are trying to discourage tenants with pets, just don't allow them. 

You must clearly spell out or paint a visual picture of what will likely happen if the tenant ignores your memo.

Is $100 more in rent a strong deterrent?

Everybody needs a roof over their head and although it does not necessarily fall upon me to provide it I think it's obnoxious to use an application fee  as a punitive deterrent to a person seeking the primary basic human need of shelter.