He cannot even hang interior doors without badly hacking them up and damaging them to the point that you may need to start over. 

Additionally, if the machines are damaged, you know who is accountable.If you are compelled to have a common laundry room then you need to explore access restrictions (keyed or keycode) and, possibly, surveillance.  

Go and physically inspect properties in your chosen area. 

House was in terrible condition upon purchase with these problems:*Foundation needed to be updated/replaced*Beetle damage*No kitchen*No flooring*ADU with no bathroom, kitchen and uneven slab.

House was in terrible condition upon purchase with these problems:*Foundation needed to be updated/replaced*Beetle damage*No kitchen*No flooring*ADU with no bathroom, kitchen and uneven slab.

Some have hardwood underneath, but it seems costly to redo hardwoods only to have tenants damage them.Any advice on best options?

Conventional loans will not allow loans to be closed on properties with bad chipped paint, roof damage, wood rot, pest infestation, moldy carpets, broken windows, torn up bathrooms, etc etc.

Permits are legally required (in most jurisdictions), but it is certainly physically possible to restore the home completely without any permit. 

This can be the difference from being able to hold an inherited tenant to damages verses covering everything yourself.  

This gives you no money for to cover any damage beyond normal wear and tear.If they stop paying rent in the middle of the lease the larger deposit gives you a bigger buffer.I tell them if they have good credit then the deposit is only one months rent.