Hallway windows would be left openIn heavy summer rains.

Compare that to your case and note any discrepancies.I would finish the eviction for this tenant for sure, and even if they'll never pay, see if you can get an un-paid money judgement on them in your county. 

Judgements, Liens, etc.

For your case you knew the project had no permits which means the city will need you to either get a judgement from an engineer that it has been built to code or to remove all unpermitted additions.

I have found in my state (PA), that many paid background checks are unreliable but my states website will show me evictions, civil judgements, criminal cases and even summary offenses like a speeding ticket.

If confessed judgements are legal in your state you may get here to sign one giving you power to get a judgment against her if she does take money out.

From there I would proceed to get a judgement against all three tenants on the lease (if the eviction doesn't automatically create one) and I would pursue collection of it vigorously even if there's no real hope of collecting.

That's odd... my STR in the smokies had a similar thing happen with the well (it went dry because they didn't get a lot of rain last year) and I had a water company come and fill it up (can't remember the exact price, but maybe $1,000?).

Underpaying due to rent control.I noticed a dent in the aluminium downspout, restricting rain flow.Tenant said he tried to bend it back, but was unsuccessful.I didn't push for "who caused it", but I think we both know.To hire a contractor to fix it would cost about $250. 

I've heard many times that its not worthwhile to sue tenants or to try to collect on the judgements against them.