Hello everyone,I'm currently exploring the housing market in search of my first personal home, which I intend to rent out in the near future after putting in some sweat equity.

Just write it up like any other sale, its just that the closing date will be about a year out... 

I am thinking about renting a year or less and then buying something - I looked at the Elyson homes and liked that area for future. 

We went back to the appraiser for re-evaluation and they even exceeded the appraised rent rates we needed ($8500/month).

Hey Ben It's definitely a great, lower risk way to get into RE investing.

I am writing on this page to see what you guys think I should do next.

It's a classic and probably the easiest way to get into the game with a leg up, and set yourself up for future exchanges. 

I went to all of the owners and was clear and honest with them about their current returns, expenses, ROI and potential future returns, every single one of them transitioned out of that investment class.

Does it really need to be replaced to pass a future inspection or does it just need work or cleaned?

First off  you have a CRIME FREE /Drug Free addendum on each tenant that lives in your rental.If you notice suspicious activity or have reports of the same you give tenant notice of high traffic / volume of people to unit as notice to cure.. if this continues or you see or smell drugs you give notice of non-compliance and lease termination. yes you can ask police for advise.. but your main goal is to limit the calls police have to make to your property so you don't want to be listed as a nuisance property. but if the issues warrants it yes call the cops and if a neighboring unit is worried tell them to call the cops sometimes you have to have a record of police calls to verify the issue so you can write up infraction for eviction action..