Now if you (as the owner) insist that your PM scour Craigslist for a used $50 oven, that's your decision and does impact timing.

If I have a very qualified prospective tenant who insists they have to have a washer/dryer in order to rent the unit, then I will buy a washer/dryer to put in that one.I think just having the hookups is a great way to separate yourself from the competition, and then see what kind of tenant pool you get.Another question I have relating to this:Do you buy used washer/dryer (cheaper but potentially more maintenance issues) or brand new (more expensive but less maintenance and possible warranty)?

I would be more than happy to be rid of her early on and would make that perfectly clear to her from the start.I would insist on the entire rent, no discount.  

I never gave it a thought that my landlord didn't think twice but now on the other side of things how would you guys feel about a tenant who had no income but insisted he had the money, assuming they didn't have a cosigner.

If there are any such items, you should insist on a hold back of funds at closing. 

It is a bad time to invest in real estate now, even though most folks on BP will insist that anytime is a good time.

You need to insist on a inspection and make your offer conditional on property being vacant at closing.

They're going to insist the PM told them it was OK. 

If you insist upon doing the work yourself, I would recommend getting a friend or contractor who has done this before to help you - there are some fine points that are not so obvious to the first-time installer (transitions, edging, doorways, etc).

After I rehabbed a place, I insisted on *best* qualified vs *first* qualified.