It will also depend on what state you are in as to whether it will be cost effective or not. 

In we do that.I think either of your options are nice, but I like not worrying about a tenant cleaning grout and the potential for leaks.Our bathroom walls are half tiled, nice vanity with as spacious a granite countertop as possible.

@Anna Buffkin could you elaborate on some of the long term effects of no money down deals?

I wanted to have it cleaned and now I have to replace. 

Well as it turns out the tenant isn't staying... so while I am bummed at needing to fill two units right off the bat - I am glad to have a clean slate and to be able to dictate my own terms

If there was a Foreclosure Auction checklist that one must do for a successful clean transaction, how would it look like?

Hello and that is a good/time effective question Abby! 

Its like a snow ball effect.

How have others effectively dealt with these types of HOA situations?

If FoxConn happens it is so big, it does not matter where you are, ripple and displacement effects will raise the tide for all boats in the greater Milwaukee metro area.