It really only needed some minor repairs to the french doors (handle hardware), some paint, repair and clean off the decks and it was good to go.   

Due to the fact that I will not have access to the amenities for an extended period of time such as gym, pool and common areas and minor service requests which I have been doing myself (cleaned clogs in sink and toilet).

I've had my current job for 2 1/2 yrs making 75K per year and have a clean background but before I had my current job I was unemployed for a while and ended up filing for bankruptcy causing my credit to take a huge nose dive (sub 500 range). my Question is: to avoid the credit requirement (I wouldn't be able to find a co-signer) would I be able to put an entire lease down as a security deposit and pay my rent as usual so long as my income qualified?

In fact, it is borderline right now based on estimates whether the cost of repairs and cleaning will exceed the security deposit. 

I agreed not to show it any more.Finally, he left, had the place cleaned and painted in a week, had a open house, and rented in a day.

It isn't as clean and sometimes you get stuck with some money in the deal still from your HELOC.

After inspection, I told her that I could only offer $1k due to property condition, but she would no longer have to pay the taxes or any of the expenses of maintaining the property and I would handle cleaning out the property.How did you finance this deal?

We cleaned up the property with updated paint, appliances, fixtures, flooring, and landscaping.

2) We'd like to sell our current condo, but with two kids it requires a deep clean and a good paining.

I would also put very strict rules regarding how many and what type of pet(s) allowed, that they cannot be a nuisance to neighbors (no leaving outside, barking, etc), and put something very solid saying that a pet cleaning and deodorizing charge will be taken out of deposit when they leave.... think of anything/everything and put in the lease!