Seems like we have some items in common, I personally came from a science background and then got my Executive MBA, looking back on my higher education experience and now operating a fairly robust business in REI, I would have to encourage you to consider finance and/or strategy, if you have the opportunity to capture finance strategy in one, this will serve you well.

These are two items that are worth getting updated or brought to code in all deals.

Your action item is to find that small bank who keeps the paper in house.

The only items I have delivered to me are countertops. 

Then I would look even renewing some common wear points, like you would in any turn over if the items are aged, before renting it out. 

Your recycle bin will be next to a dumpster (like mine) and you will open the dumpster and see it full of recycle items that could have been put in the recycle bin....

We make the full scope of work, line item it, and have the contractor bid off of that, we control the wording.  

On the other hand, all of the analysis you put into evaluating the property may already include saving up for things like repairs or cap ex (I know cap ex is meant for big ticket items, but just saying).What would you do?

@Kyle J, I believe all you need is an addendum for each item  stating the change and have the tenants sign and date it.  

They deduct 10% a year from most appliances ($7,500 furnace, $2,500 AC) 15% from carpeting ($1,000).It is not unheard of for older homes to have an ACV for these items close to $0.