; unusually higher rainfall recently; changes in the occupants water use, laundry use, food/drinks, chemicals; a sock or something flushed down the drain; a combination of these or something else.

Politicians there basically decided to cater to lower income voters instead of attracting higher rent payers from NYC. 

I feel that that would be a plus but I have no matter what.I have family in that area that are associated with the oil fields, I know that they were paying more for rent on a 3 bed rental that was in poor shape than I was on my 5 bedroom mortgage.With the oil industry the way that it is I think it would be wise to watch that industry and see if you need to cater to more individual one bed rentals or long term family rentals.

In talks with a couple of people now to occupy the commercial space (food services).

I am always for giving my tenants the best possible living situation that I can, but you can't cater to every WANT (Remember, the stove works, so it's not a need to have a brand new one).My decision would be to stick with what you have done and if they do not pay rent, start the eviction process.

Just some food for thought, not all notes need to be seasoned.

In terms of revenues, banks only consider 1/2 of rental revenues as income, and since we are supporting a significant mortgage, our DIT is > 50% so we are not able to get a loan.I understand the bank's conservatism, but basically we only have food as living expenses, we own a property that is paying itself and our credit rating is top notch.

I don't feel that it is possible to convince someone else when they feel strongly about a topic and I don't consider my opinion to be better than yours or anyone else's....just spirited debate and food for thought.Regarding the OP, I agree that my opinion there is not supported by the contract (although I don't fully understand the proper interpretation of the clause in question).  

I have white kitchen cabinets and they get food all over them, and dark wood hides flying stains so much better.Comments please!!!

If it's perishable food, you can toss.