I know it is more expensive than the Home Depot option of traps, but that guy takes care of it and they are not back for a year or two+. 

BP is a public forum so be careful. 

Your yard is in terrible shape and in need of care on a regular basis.

Forget about the gross and look at the net..Seems like some kinda vacation rentalI know a lot of people investing in these type of properties and don't care much about the income but focus on how they can enjoy the property themselves with friends and family.. 

The last few years we've seen several large employment centers move to Bham and it's lately been somewhat of an under the radar hot bed for tech startups (not to mention Shipt) - overall it has, and always has had, a strong entrepreneurial presence. 

I wouldn’t care at all about it.

If you cannot recoupe the money put into property through the cash flow in 5 years or less or by refiancing after work performed it would be to risky of an investment for myself. 

If taken you’ll run the risk of an audit down the road.   

This way, 1) if they are not caring after their pets the way they are supposed to - you charge them for the damages in real time versus at the end of their lease term (hoping there's enough in the security deposit) and 2) you're not surprised when they finally do turn over keys.Good luck! 

This is more of an accounting question and it would definitely avoid capital gains.