This will greatly extend the life of the equipment. 

They can be used to invest not only in real estate, but also in company stock, business partnership interests, and in capital resources such as factory equipment.

Consider changing your garage door opener code as a security precaution.Service your lawn mower and yard equipment (blowers, edgers and trimmers).Clean your faucet aerators and inspect your plumbing for leaks.Clean and sharpen your garbage disposal by running a tray of ice cubes and depositing a cleaning (foaming) product into the disposal.Inspect or have tested your home fire extinguishers.Replace smoke alarm batteries.

One thing I have seen from my own experience renting VRBOs is additional amenity/equipment rentals. 

Will the utility company come out and do a leak detection with their equipment for you? 

The main difference is with a VR, beyond the fact that you have to set it up fully furnished/equipped, is that it requires more ongoing attention - that is, you're making yourself responsible for guest communication, cleaning arrangements, possible maintenance calls from a distant location, etc.  

So I will be requesting photos of recent work and contactable references and even ask if I can view some of their recent jobs in person.The painters I don't think I need to be too scrupulous about and will just ask about their experience and for 2 references I can contact.I plan to bargain shop and buy all the materials and equipment myself.Has anyone ever run a project in this fashion?

On a FEMA elevation certificate they document the finished floor elevations, and the lowest elevation of mechanical and electrical equipment.

As to repairs, that sounds strange to me that any existing equipment can't be repaired, granted, there can be a parts issue, it's not hard to replace a part. :)

Many banks foreclose, sell and make a profit, off of repos, cars, boats, equipment, MHs and real property.