It went fine for the first year until we found out her boyfriend was growing a pot garden on the property.

If you live close enough to your property or have a friend or relative nearby, a drive by can be helpful in alerting you of any issues; for example, unauthorized cars in the driveway, debris, garbage or indoor furnishings outside the unit, etc.I think rental owners who don't require their managers to do regular inspections or who fail to regularly check up on their properties are the ones who are more liable to property damage because they probably don't screen their tenants well either.

I think for them they like the larger units and many have planted gardens in the back yards.

While it is a temperate climate, it would still get pretty hot indoors without any windows open.I should also note that we once lived in a small condo here (less than 800 sq.ft., and bought a window A/C to use a few hours before bedtime and during the hottest hours of the day.

I would include a question: "Are any applicants indoor smokers?"

One roof, one pest control contract, one parking lot to maintain, one gardener, etc.And I personally really dislike duplexes as a renter.  

Secret pot garden in the closet maybe?  

Because the thermostat is set so low the system continues to run under conditions it was not designed for and causes ice to start forming inside the indoor section. 2) You mentioned the service tech " refilled" the system.

In my experience, it's best to pay for a gardener.  

I have allowed some requests like I want to plant a garden or I need storage shelves but the sooner they start asking for changes to the structure the more likely they are high maintenence.You could also opt for a pm.