Without the HELOC equity building strategy, you are doing OK but still have a sizable leak in your bucket of water and the banks are there to catch every drop.

I'd also require them contractually to provide photos or videos each day if requested.

The photos at the EPA website match the pictures the inspector took.  

And you get the benefit of having over 100 past ones to catch up on.Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

They'll catch on quick and eventually, will stop bothering you.At the end of the day, you've done more than whats reasonable.

There seems to be a catch here...

If you can, try to take photos of black light or similar showing 'invisible' bodily fluids and ask the landlord to be reasonable.If it really really bothers you, get a quote from Home Depot and ask the landlord to split the cost to replace the carpet.

If you stage a place well, get nice photos taken (use Airbnb's free photography service), provide prompt responses and good customer service, you can do very very well.

Remember to post after photos!

I am catching up on podcast and I listened to episode 55 featuring @Jimmy Moncrief.