It also allows him to get his refinance ready to take you out as part of the refinance so he isn't coming out of pocket for that.For him you are keeping some skin in the game when you initially rent it so that he knows you are placing a quality tenant(even though you would anyway that's what I would tell him).

Sadly, money is the motivator for many people.This does not mean you must overpay to get timely and quality service.

Beyond the obvious quality of construction and code compliance issues, how do I ensure the tenant doesn't rip out his whirlpool tub when he vacates and leaves me a mess of wires and plumbing?

Unless you're going to go with a hard surface of some kind, any carpet will show wear and tear unless you are ready to either spend some $$ on a great, quality carpet (a Triexta fiber carpet for instance) that has superior stain resistance qualities (not stain proof), or go with the nasty, cheap sculpted carpet that you see in low end rentals all day long.

They're certainly not the norm here, but a nicer unit brings a better quality of renter, and higher rents.

•You would Receive Better quality tenants.

When I'm testing a rental market, I'll post rent a bit high for 1-2 weeks and check response rate and quality of tenant (if rent is too high, you'll get a poor quality tenant).

It depends on the quality of paint.

Identify and pioneer the next emerging market/product.

A quality installation AND at the best price possible.