The kicker though was they also make you buy pad that I didn’t need which increased the cost.

I'm guessing that also wouldn't be legal.I would think a remotely changeable pin pad might work for the vacation rental side.

I handle all setup costs (mostly running utilities, but in some cases laying a small concrete pad) , pay all utilities (incremental to the money for the lease), insurance, etc., so the only commitment from the the property owner is really in the space they're providing me for the machine. 

You will not live there, so what you like or do not like does not enter into it.When estimating renovation costs, you must include a pad for the unexpected.Renovation risk - Renovation risk is a serious consideration.

Theres also pad lister and hot pads.  

Does anyone require renters to use furniture pads on the feet of the furniture?

So after a strategy talk, I sold his 7 unit & 4 unit and found him off market two large commercial properties with triple Net leases in place so he can stop managing rental units and just collect money while his loans went from about 1 million to over 2 million, building wealth really fast.If you wonder why I am mentioning the mortgage amounts, is because with the inflation and tenants payed equity, the more you own and the large mortgage amounts, the more you depreciate for tax brakes, the more you get to appreciate and the more tenants pay off, growing your equity very, very fast.Story no 3.

Since you stated you are going to replace the carpet I recommend spraying "Odoban" (about $10 for a gallon to dilute) or some other cleaner/smell remover over the pad (if you don't replace it since it will hold the odor) or on the floor if you remove the pad. 

Should I just put commercial carpet (no pad) on the stairs and bedrooms?

Today the touch pad stopped working.