One thing I'd recommend that we do, is at each year renewal-- we ask them what they'd like for an upgrade to their home, up to $200.. maybe painting a room, maybe adding a small fence, light,  whatever they want.   

We'll be hiring out some of our personal home projects too, but I figured I can handle some outlets and light switches.

Moving from a forum lurker into the light.

The new led light installed that morning burnt out.

CPAs probably don't like it when said mutual clients semi-jokingly ask if they can depreciate a light bulb or plunger (I already know the answer is "no"), but it sets the agenda of "depreciate anything you can possibly depreciate, unless it's going to trigger an IRS audit" clearly.Depreciating $10k in a given year, which might save $4k come tax time (each year for a couple years), is the same (if you divide by 12) as reducing your interest rate on a $500k mortgage from 4.5% to 3.375% (comparing monthly P&I payments), or doing something else to increase your cashflow by ~$300/mo.

The bills are transferred in their name but we are listed as the landlords so that we will be notified if they don’t pay so that the lights, water or heat will not be shut off.

But worst case, if that doesn't happen, I'm assuming I need to move all the utilities into my name to keep lights on, even if it is only for a few days before I find a renter?

HOWEVER, you are also dancing on the line of loan fraud, so I would tread lightly there.First, the very smart part of your strategy.....buying separately. 

Also paint the Visual exterior sides a consistent light color to reflect the sun.

I've done similar, not quite as much as you have with the under cabinet lighting and waterfall faucet ect.