It's essential to thoroughly review the exit clauses in your contract with your broker to avoid being locked into a relationship.

A thorough inspection by someone familiar with the age and style of construction should absolutely be performed.

Given your thoroughness, I believe you’ve answered your own question, but I’ll add some insight

There are some really great and thorough discussion threads here on BP on the subject and also make sure to listen to the BP podcasts as well.

Get the book, LANDLORDING by Leigh Robinson and read some of the nightmares you will endure by not doing thorough screening. 

Just make sure before painting that you thoroughly clean the surface using odor neutralizing pee remover.

We vet our tenants very thoroughly, however, this person's personality changed over the times, and is being unreasonable.

Wow, that was a very thorough answer.  

thanks for such a thorough breakdown of the steps!  

Biggest tip I would say is be very thorough in screening when you sign on your tenants (in that price point I would think you have lots of interest) and go for long term tenants if possible.