So I used black garbage bags and double bagged some of that mattress memory foam and shoved it up in in the hole on either side of the handle for the flue.  

So you think the garbage/rotten smell could be mold, dead rodents or a combination of the two?

As far as trying to find motivated seller leads yourself in the real estate -> for sale by owner, its garbage.

Are there any utilities like gas, water or garbage?

As I live in Las Vegas, Nevada, I didn't learn of this until about 2 weeks after they vacated the premises, when my other tenant called to let me know.I then had to pay lots of money to EMPTY a 2 BR apt full of nasty furniture, garbage, etc.... replace carpeting, linoleoum, patch holes in the walls, paint, repair busted kitchen and bathroom cabinets.  

So it's not like they can send something to the rental or claim they did.Also, would you include proof of unpaid bills, pictures of garbage left behind, etc.?

Now if I could only find properties like this on a more consistent basis.Here's a brief summary of the expenses I incurred: Front Unit Flooring Materials 1,743.00 Labour 300.00 2,043.00 Kitchen Paint + Labour 90.00 Countertop 180.00 install and small parts 130.00 faucet 160.00 560.00 Dishwasher Used Kijiji 50.00 install and small parts 200.00 250.00 Laundry Used Kijiji 300.00 install and small parts 200.00 500.00 Finishes Finishing touches 210.00 Drywall, Trim, Install 1,166.00 1,376.00 Painting Paint 216.00 216.00 Electrical 1,316.00 1,316.00 Garbage Removal 150.00 Garbage Removal 150.00 Total 6,011.00 I'm very happy with the way the unit turned out, and think I've got a great tenant in it (She's been consistently paying her rent a week early and unprompted!)

There are many ways to cut corners to save money or time, but if the prep work isn't done properly, the paint job will look like garbage.  

And make sure to account for the following expenses:1) Mortgage2) Mortgage insurance (PMI or MIP) or FHA Risk base3) Property Taxes4) City Taxes5) HOA (Home Owner’s Association) Dues and Fees and Assessments6) Insurance a) Property Hazard Insurance (0.3-0.45%) b) Flood Insurance c) Earthquake Insurance d) Umbrella Insurance7) Vacancy Rate (usually 8% - the equivalent to one month a year, or 5-6% if multifamily and/or if experienced, if not use 8%)8) Utilities (you’ll have these if your tenant is not covering them and/or during vacancy) a) Water § Sewer § Garbage b) Electricity c) Natural Gas d) Propane9) General Maintenance (usually 5%) a) Upkeep § Landscaping b) Snow removal c) Repairs d) New Appliances e) Make ready10) Capital Expenditures (usually 5%, higher is the property is old and obsolete, less if fully rehabbed and all mechanicals and roof are new)11) Property Management (8%, even if you self manage, your time still has value and there might be a time when you'll want to be completely hands off or you'll not be able to do it, vacation, retirement, etc.), including...

These proformas are often garbage (although the norm).