My tax guy thinks you're going to be in for a costly surprise!  

That is a great point to let the tenants know so they aren't surprised.

I use semi gloss everywhere for its easier wipe off,,surprising how often a paint job can be forgone with a wipe off wall wash.

On top of that, sometimes they are still occupied and the occupants, not surprisingly have ZERO interest in letting some potential buyer inside for a look.

I'm surprised people are hung up so much on the rates.

I think staging definitely helps- I stage my own properties and even I'm surprised about how differently it looks once I remove the furniture.

Then it is no surprise to the tenant and demonstrates we are attentive and serious about rent.Since you lack documentation from the bank about the previous landlord-tenant agreements, try to get that information from each tenant, either by conversation, by them giving you a copy of their previous rental agreement or if necessary by the more formal estoppel route.

Not surprisingly, both properties are owned by two different out-of-town owners.  

It doesn't excuse the tenants behavior but it also shouldn't come as a surprise to you.

That's a big hell no and I'm hardly surprised he can't find anyone to agree to that.I also don't think the market is big enough for that to make sense.