Got an accepted offer but I’m curious what thoughts are on having a rental with a natural wood fireplace or what would you do to ensure safe or no usage.

They have placed a stipulation on their listings, and I quote "Seller will not allow interior access until an accepted offer is in place."

The rent increase is on the date you stated and you will accept a 30 day notice if they desire to vacate the property prior to the rent increase.Plus you have no loss if they do leave, they are a maintenance drag.

Neither party really has the ability to fully control the agenda so both are going to need to accept some significant compromise positions, and where that will fall is at this point just a pure guessing game.

BTW, the prior landlord informing the tenant of the rent increase could easily be viewed as a renewal offer and depending on the response of the tenant, an accepted renewal offer. 

If your tenant is late in rent or not caring for the property, it is because you have created an environment where it is acceptable.

@Armando Ramirez probably get someone local to accept it. 

Would they accept him as a hard money lender if you had a legal agreement with him to pay it back?

I suggest you obtain a commitment and then ask the title agent what they will accept to waive the requirement for a release. 

Absent any additional activity I would not offer above asking and simply submit what you feel is a good fair offer and wait on a counter or acceptance.