We did as he requested and, since I know people will ask, we made the mistake of not taking any pictures upon moveout.The next week we received a certified letter stating his deductions from our security deposit.

Do you have a security deposit, or is your last month what you'd take any deductions out of?

Had to pay my insurance deductible and a number of other things to get the house back in shape.

Anyway, I always leave with the standard first step: Have you talked to a lender yet? 

I use Renters Warehouse for tenant screening and placement (I do the management), and use their standard lease. 

And while you're at it, check into Passive House building standards(google "passivhaus standards.") 

in our Charleston new builds and every new build I have seen there they all have tankless water heaters standard on the outside of the house.. in Oregon its an upgrade.the reason I was told in SC to have them is the water rusts out the ones with tanks so they leak and so that's why they want them out doors.. 

I would also recommend completing the rehab to the standard of the comps since that is what your loans will be based on and your rental base and buyer base will be expecting.

I read the tax law and my opinion is that a person can not claim the interest as a deduction for a HELOC in 2018 and beyond.

Non-deductible contributions can be made up to the plan limit.