But the house is stucco exterior with tons of cracks in the stucco that have to be repaired. 2 stucco Contractor's have quoted us $12k - $15k to sand blast, patch, apply a new "brown coat" and finishing color coat.

I filed for an eviction on him because 1. he was local, 2. it's cheap to do in my county, 3. since the notice was going to the last known address (my rental) he wouldn't respond to it anyway and I'd get the judgment without going in front of a court and 4. the judgment would remain on his credit history for the next 7 years.Ironically about a year later this guy shows up in the hospital with newly diagnosed diabetes. 

I have application with clean background checks and credit score of around 680Income to rent ratio is 2.5.I have asked for a consigner.However I am wondering if There are any other options worth pursuing to mitigate the risk - such as ask for 3 months rent as deposit instead of one month ?

Once certain terms of the note are changed such as maturity date, balance or an increase in payment the modification is considered a new extension of credit and is subject to certain regulations which govern the extension of credit.- The creation of a new "note" would mean the satisfaction and release of the prior security instrument.  

I have 0 derogatory marks and great credit other than bad dti due to some credit cards. 

Let's say you have capital for down payment for both and good credit scenarioA.

My credit score is good, 760.

I have excellent credit but I work overseas (i have tax returns but no w2s)-- would that be an issue? 

Breach of warranty of habitability - tenant's remedies(1) If there is a breach of the warranty of habitability as set forth in section 38-12-503 (2), the following provisions shall apply:(a) Upon no less than ten and no more than thirty days written notice to the landlord specifying the condition alleged to breach the warranty of habitability and giving the landlord five business days from the receipt of the written notice to remedy the breach, a tenant may terminate the rental agreement by surrendering possession of the dwelling unit.

There's also the idea of buying one for cash and then opening an equity line of credit for the future?