Consider some landscaping to de-emphasize the look for those who don't like it. 

I have three things I emphasize...Rent is due on the first, no pets, no smoking.For 7 mos. he is Johnny on the spot with rent.  

I went to college, which is not mandatory, and I got a business degree that emphasized real estate.  

Staging is great when you have a house where the rooms are not well defined as staging emphasizes a room's purpose.  

I would just take plenty of pictures to document the current condition and explain (in writing, perhaps an addendum to the lease) what you will consider beyond normal wear and tear, i.e. marks, gouges, broken door knobs due to excessive force, etc...I know as a tenant it would be hard to have a landlord say you're worried about their little "angels" but hopefully they can emphasize once they realize that you have been burned before.

I've even got it typed into my purchase agreement and emphasize it before executing the agreement to ensure full disclosure.Thank you for the encouragement Karen!

I'm going to school for my degree in BioChemistry emphasizing on Dietetics, I'm an Army Veteran, and I'm a certified Nutritionist & Personal Trainer.As a soon-to-be 28 year old father, my greatest concern for my future is the volatility of my current profession.  

So stupid, matter of fact, I've retired off of them ;)@Tzvi Balsam brother, you'll do just fine with your deal (but yeah, perhaps the title to your thread should have emphasized "low cap rate".

The linked post emphasized not going Fannie so one could QCF, as if it would b simpler under other financial lenders (like portfolio) to do such an action n not get called on it.

@Joel Owens is on the right track emphasizing the importance of quick decisive action during the 45 day window so your at the most advantageous negotiating position.