They get pictures and a line-item accounting of the deductions from the security deposit.  

If you look at 8 houses, and you are reviewing all at the end of the day, you can tell where one ends and the next begins,  We also make sure not to take too many pictures. 8 max of only the high ticket items, roof, windows, kitchen, electric panel, kitchen, baths, furnace, ac, front and back, andything unusual,  i dont want a picture with a hole in drywall that will cost 25.00 to fix, no pictures of carpet of paint, or things we will replace in every house.... always a couple photos for perspective. 

The construction work is mostly cosmetic with the biggest items being fixing a deck and kitchen rehab work. 

Check out www.securityproductsnow.com this website has some alternatives for self-defense items...

Immerse yourself with the different references materials Brandon itemized  above.

Conventional financing guidelines are vague when an appraiser has to call the various items you mention. 

I used to be sought out for restaurant consultation work but did not want to do all that traveling plus I like real estate the best.Another item to watch carefully is this minimum wage hike thing.

In fact, that is a pretty contentious item in this community.  

You cant report some income/expense on schedule E and carve out the interest expense from the line of credit and call it an investment activity and an itemized deduction on schedule A.

Expenses are an income statement item, repairs go to the assets of the balance sheet and capitalized.