I am worried the appraisal will be low or the tenants will tear things up lowering the appraisal. 

I'll leave it to others to share any experiences with the building department requiring a tear down. 

That can be a handful for self management due to greater risk of tenant non-payment and eviction, not to mention that the property will likely have deferred maintenance to start off with, and incur more wear and tear. 

Our fear is when we go to evict her, she will tear the apartment up.  

Normally it will be some form of sending itemized list of back rents due, late fees, penalties, damages that exceed normal wear & tear, a check for balance if they're owed any, or bill for extra money due if damages exceed deposit, then mail (with proof you've mailed) to last known address. 

I’ve been very successful with finding the right tenants, no long vacancies periods, no large expenses (other than hurricane Ida but insurance covered all of the expenses) just normal wear and tear.

The bottom plate had also separate from the foundation in two corners of the house.Realistically from an investment standpoint, this house was a tear down.

Here are some examples:Yellow Letter- yellow lined paper with handwritten font in envelope with live stamp.Text Postcard- double sided postcard on card stock, indicia stamp.Zip Letter- Pressure sealed, perforated, tear to open mailer.What are the benefits and drawbacks of each, and where in the process do you use each one?

With the larger homes, I assume more wear and tear plus tougher management with the turnaround times/procedures being crucial.

The only time I wouldn't is if the home is a tear down.