So now I have the right mindset and I'm ready to get back to making money, because this time I will know how to treat it and what to do with it. 

If the appliances are in high-end units and are new, they may be under warranty for a year or two; if not, typical lifespan could be 5 - 10 years depending on the way tenants treat them.

They have treated this seller very very badly.

It seems to me that a fair agreement can be reached if this is treated as a debt deal. 

And sometimes they treat everyone the same. 

Shampooing the carpets will not be enough because the smell is in the pad too and can get down to the subfloor as well, which may need to be treated with a stain/odor block paint. 

California is a great multifamily market, but needs to be treated differently that most other US markets.  

But, don't ask me for advice on a deal and then not give me first dibs -- you treat me well, I'll treat you well.

While the development is a work in progress, I have found that renting Section 8 housing is a successful investment because the tenants tend to treat the houses with respect (because they aren't allowed back into the program if they fail to) and the government assists in the renovation and 85-90% of the rent payment.  

As previously stated I would treat all applicants the exact same and probably best not to make note of their race.