The property is in need of some TLC, such as paint, they were heavy smokers and smoked in the house, appliances, and some updating.Trying to decide if I should do a refinance or use a HELOC to make the repairs/update to get started.

I also test the smoke detectors...though not by "pushing the button". 

I am trying to determine if there is any regulations, state or local that governs fire extinguishers in terms of type, how many, and location.I know there are city building codes on fire alarms, smoke alarms, hard wired or battery which is dependent on when the property was built as well as whether it's a SFR or multi-family dwelling.However I couldn't find anything on fire extinguishers. 

They start a fire yet expect you as the landlord to pay for their smoke damaged property.

It's cheap to operate and maintain, and I know how to fix everthing on it in the dark with my hands tied behind my back.

We (and I assume everywhere) have a local housing inspector with those programs tour the property to make sure it meets basic safety standards (handrails, smoke alarms, etc), and they also reinspect annually, so before you get ready to lease to a Sec 8 tenant, would talk with the local dept. for a list of their most common failed items to make sure it'll pass.You also sign the rental paperwork that Sec 8 uses and know some local landlords didn't love that aspect of being told what lease form to use.

If the screens are alright, then go outside and caulk any gaps you might see.The smoke smell may be harder.

I think they've alienated a lot of smaller folks by doing that, however I'm not quite sure of the business dynamics that drove that decision....just a stab in the dark, maybe it was something as simple as most of their support calls were from folks with the smallest plan etc...who knows - however would be nice if they brought it back but I'm a happy customer all the same.

In fire safety inspections the Winooski Fire department is going to check things like the size of your egress windows, age of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, GFCI outlets, closet light bulbs, dryer vent, etc.

The Spreadsheet is also configured to turn a cell red alerting us to an undesired answer to a question, i.e. how many people in the household smoke?