If they counter, I would then request info to be able to qualify them as a tenant. 

I thought of taking up a trade too like maybe in plumbing to fix any leaky pipes myself. 

I would also go with a granite or quartz counter.

Drainage pipe is broken/clogged somewhere and water drains freely under the driveway.

Even steel pipes last only about 60 years before you have to re-plumb an entire house.2.)

I've got about $10k I'm willing to spend, and here's what I've come up with as far as updates go:- Add shelving for grocery storage - there's very little today- Rehab the front porch (you can feel the plywood sink in places as you walk over it)- Repaint the outside of the house (paint is peeling)- Add a fence for the back yard- Add a back door (there's only one entrance/exit to the house)- Pave the driveway on both sides of the tree out front- Add exterior lights to the side and back of house- Update kitchen counters (granite?)

It is common on vacant dwellings for the policy to have Warranty that either the heat will be maintained at a certain temp. or the pipes will be drained and winterized.  

For example:General-Filters (furnace, air conditioning, oven exhaust, refrigerator, and water)-Stove burner when the “eye” needs simple replacement-Batteries and remotes that service the premises-Fan and light pull strings-Smoke and carbon alarms testing and batteries-Ensuring appliances are properly plugged in, hooked up, and used-Removing dirt, debris, and lint in and from connection pipes (e.g. clothes dryer)-Tighten loose screws on all home functions (e.g. doors, hinges, handles, socket -Balancing off-balance appliances-Cable, internet, and phone jacks-Fire extinguishers-Systems operation (e.g. security, irrigation, HVAC)HVAC-Monthly A/C filter and drain line maintenance Electrical-Reset “tripped” GFI breakers-Light bulbs (throughout and at the end of the tenancy)-Blown fuses-Reset breakers in the outside and inside breaker boxes-Socket and plug outlet coversPlumbing-Unclog drains or toilets-Caulking around tubs and showers as needed-Gas pilot lighting-Leaky faucets and shower heads-Toilet flappers, handles, seats and seat lids, tank lid, and flush kit-Sink and tub stoppers-If septic tank present, use RID-X as directed on consumer box-Proper cleaning of garbage disposal-Loose faucets and sprayer heads and hoses-Faucet filters (i.e. aerator)-Open exterior plumbing clean out when necessary (e.g. sewage backup)Exterior-Routine lawn (and pool) maintenance-Adjusting sprinkler heads as necessary-On the last month of tenancy, tenant must perform required lawn maintenance no sooner than 2 days prior to vacate dateThere’s a lot to consider as a landlord.

A counter would be the disposal was broken regardless of whether or not they reported it.

I'm sure when you get there to do your inspection you'll find that he left his keys on the kitchen counter, took most of his clothes and left behind nothing but trash and old furniture.