I feel like if the plastic underpayment pad is put on properly, it would be adequate protection. 

If not the judge, then certainly a local RE attorney.Also, is there adequate documentation on the part of the seller regarding the non-payment of rent, or could this be a he-said she-said type situation? 

As long as you entered this investment in adequate financial form, there's no real danger to doing it weekly. 

I actually looked up whatever government agency places standards for living conditions and then threatened to report the complex to them for not providing adequate heating.

Sharpened the blades, made sure the rotors turned adequately, but anything more than a fork full of spaghetti meant a total blockage.  

In CA, if a tenant wants to run a daycare in a SFH, the landlord must allow it, but I think the landlord is allowed to require the tenant to get adequate insurance (this does not apply to a unit in a multifamily, according to what I've read). 

It was small, but did an adequate job in a big one-bedroom. 

Also put these issues on a separate lease addendum which they should sign, so you can prove they have been adequately notified.I would first check out their court records to determine whether they have had similar issues with previous landlords.

If the landlord does not adequately remedy the breach, or use his or her best efforts to remedy the breach within 48 hours, except a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, after it is received by the landlord, the tenant may, in addition to any other remedy:    (a) Procure reasonable amounts of such essential items or services during the landlord’s noncompliance and deduct their actual and reasonable cost from the rent; (b) Recover actual damages, including damages based upon the lack of use of the premises or the diminution of the fair rental value of the dwelling unit; (c) Withhold any rent that becomes due during the landlord’s noncompliance without incurring late fees, charges for notice or any other charge or fee authorized by this chapter or the rental agreement, until the landlord has attempted in good faith to restore the essential items or services; or (d) Procure other housing which is comparable during the landlord’s noncompliance, and the rent for the original premises fully abates during this period.

But I generally keep at least 2x my total monthly expenses in my operating fund to make sure I have adequate funds for unexpected events (had to dig up a yard this week to repair a water line - on a newer home!).