Research crime rates and choose areas with a good reputation.Amenities: Look for areas with access to amenities such as grocery stores, coffee shops, gyms, and entertainment options.

I doubt they would accept a DIY "fluff", look how cool, 3D app that spits out pictures that anyone can download from the App store.

The local store may have a limited selection but you can find more sizes and options on their website.The tenant may very well trash them, but they are inexpensive and can easily be replaced with the deposit.

I'm selling my furniture if you have a home you want furnished for a STR.  2bd 2 ba 1 yr old lightly used great condition from in a luxury vacation rental apartment. 

I got to the hardware store and pick things up. 

So do STR hurt yes but they also help the economy because locals benefit from the lesser number of kids in the schools and the increased amenities like restaurants and more grocery stores and shops you would not have if you weren't a STR area.

If that is the case you could make them the responsible party for the cameras without you having access but I would just remove and store until vacant if this is single family and let them take the risk. 

For paint, go to your paint stores (sometimes big box stores do this as well, but usually a paint store) and ask about mistints. 

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

There is a ton more and of course if the owner decides not to renew, you have to move out all the stuff you put in and store it.