(Question 1)My friends expressed concerns about Steve potential retaliation, maybe in ways that I might not be able to directly identify him for (e.g. causing damage to appliances in the common area and I would have no way of knowing who did it.)

A lot of these properties I'm looking at, are mainly just outdated ( Fixtures, cabinets , older appliances ), needs carpet replaced, most have wall paper on the walls , needs an updated paint job both inside in out .So not really things that make it un-liveable , but just mainly need updated Which brings me to ......

If you have four 2-bed/1-bath units with the same appliances, split it four ways and call it a day.

If you don't have a contractor, shop around for the hardware (appliances, counters, flooring, etc..) to get an idea of the material costs then add in labor of hourly rates for the install.

Nobody pays me to stay home and meet the cable guy or the appliance technician.

Do you have insurance for your appliances, if the tenant says the washer stopped draining the water and now their clothes smell like mildew, do you know how to schedule service with warranty or call an appliance tech?

I researched RFID tags , but can't use locator to find the stolen item. I looked at GPS tracking, but they need batteries changed frequently, and a monthly fee to be paid like a cell phone bill, any ideas would be gre...

It does not matter that she likely never had household income above $40k. 

We sold the house with no carpet, no appliances, etc to a handyman who wanted to refinish it.  

You should look at HVAC, roof, flooring, and appliances.