I would leave them as is if it's alright with the tenants and take pictures and watch to see if there is any change.

The one I've been analyzing is in between three universities and right down the road from the arsenal and the research park here in Huntsville.I got a chance to talk one on one with the owner who lived there after I walked through the property and took pictures.

Show pictures of the extra stuff in the basement and how the place was cleaned when you moved in.

Make sure to take lots of before pictures!  

So I took a look at the pictures posted, and yes, the toilet seat was up in one picture...Is that really a big deal, or is this someone trying to make fun of me?

(lease was april 1-march 31, they were supposed to move march 15)We made an agreement that yes, we would allow them to break the 2 weeks early, under the condition that it be broom clean (as normal) and they provided us pictures of the unit to list on zillow and whatnot for new tenants.

I am going to do a walk through this weekend so that I have a better picture of the state. 

It is in a ready to rent condition with the exception of the kitchen that is very outdated (See picture below).  

I am also not factoring any of my wife's income into the picture but she makes a somewhat ok salary.

A few warnings though just to paint a complete picture, you will not likely see full LA appreciation in rent or prices there (but perhaps still better than out of state), you need to "cherry pick" the better neighborhoods to avoid the really rough stuff (especially on the East Side) and make sure you get in where you are willing and able to stay in because this area tends to get hit harder than others in a downturn.