The home is pretty clean and doesn't need a lot of work.Can anyone give me some advice on whether they'd invest here or not. 

That seems like a clean cut solution to me. managing it is another thing  you would have to deal with and that also seems like a long shot, especially with the short term rental options. 

He has been able to pull money out of his investments a few times and leverage that into a very healthy portfolio.

You're going to earn the deposit by cleaning up a trashed place.  

Or is the slate wiped clean and you start at 0 with the new property?

On the other side of the spectrum, what if the seller says the house is in "perfect shape" and is "rent ready" and then you go and it's actually a hoarder situation and needs a clean out of the house and yard on top of your rehab prices.

Clean it well after you move out, and then take VERY detailed pictures and a video of the whole unit before you leave.

If they are leaving, this is my inspection to determine what cleaning or repairs may be needed after they move out (either Tenant-caused or just ordinary upkeep).3.

Cleaning fees included.

Two of my other tenants have cats and I'm not overly worried about them because they're clean and tidy, their floors aren't new and the woodwork is painted.