Appfolio or Buildium will be a good building block for your growth.

On September 4, our ground-level unit was subject to an immense amount of water damage from a burst hot water heater from the unit above us.

Credit scores and family background is all personal information that is protected by the fair housing act.”Just to feel secure, I want to know about some facts that might be related to paying full rent and not damaging the property. 

From there you can dive into more advanced books, but if you don't have the building blocks, those may be overkill.Also consider buying Michael Blank's analyzer tool, comes with video training.Also consider buying David Toupin's analyzer tool, then find his walk-throughs on his youtube channel of how to use it.

The only way you can deduct damage from a security deposit is if it is tenant-caused damage that happens after closing. 

Note, even if insurance pays for all the damage your property suffers, you still lose.

Would i open myself up for any damages?

My reason for leaning towards the grip strip type is because I think it would be easier to replace a single plank if one gets damaged.

I thought about just blocking the vents on the second floor, but it can mess up the air handler if I reduce the CFM its meant for? 

The sales contract I use CAN allow for liquidated damages over and above the deposit monies.