From my experience pets are a good money maker if you treat them right.

Aqara camera and sensors, circle view doorbell camera & indoor camera, plus eufy cameras outdoorsCurrently tying my stuff via HomeKit 

Or once the assessor comes back with his figures, am I likely to get more competitive figures if my property manager seeks various quotes from painters/cabinet makers/flooring contractors etc.

Also to clean on a regular basis.In Washington State, at the time the lease is signed, the landlord must provide the tenant with information provided or approved by the department of health about the health hazards associated with exposure to indoor mold.

Find the decision maker and prove to them you can make it in this industry by being pleasantly persistent.

A STR is easier to find, a great money maker and is awesome to have as an investment property but also as a vacation home when you want it.

I also am a maker/builder before anything else, and love any excuse for new tools.

I've heard of indoor pigs getting anxious when they're alone and they can chew on the walls or try to tear up the flooring. 

Gotta put in the work to build the relationship and making sure you are speaking to the actual decision maker.

In a Texas lease it usually states that if the neighbors are being disturbed on a regular basis them the problem makers can be evicted.