Ideally I would like the property to be in good standing condition and am OK if it's in need of cosmetic updates.

If it is part of the property they occupy as a condition of their lease, I'd almost guarantee the answer is no.

you should actually get your deposit back based on depreciated age of the countertop especially if it was already in a deteriorated condition.

Air conditioning is basically the same technical process as a dehumidifier and removes a lot of moisture from the air.  

It also relieves you of having to be the bad guy because you are just following the lease.In most, if not all standard leases, there are clauses that address the condition of the property, and the Tenant's responsibilities to maintain the condition, and then an escalation to allow the Landlord to resolve at the Tenant's expense. 

@Amable John Aguiluz XIII I appreciate the reference, however I'm nearly certain that those conditions (and that form) apply only to a periodic (ie month-to-month) tenancy.

If you buy distressed and just hire a contractor, you'll be spending almost as much (or sometimes more) as if you'd just bought it in good condition.

Repaint, cleaning, etc....So that way the unit is in rent ready (showable) condition as soon as possible.Good Luck!

I’m extremely uneducated when it comes to air conditioning systems, and have a question about our current properties filter setup.

To me it comes down to condition / amenities VS the year built.