Conversely, some of the people doing these shows are much better at shooting video than they are at home improvement.

If the property is in a tourist-friendly area, you might have the option of turning these units into short-term rentals, which could improve the top-line income substantially. 

The units are all as solid as any of our other propertues (each with a few improvements) so I don't believe it is a unit/needing update issue.

Maybe some roll out beds stuffed in a closet somewhere or 1-2 sleeper sofas would improve the visual appeal on STR rental sites. 

With it being my first investment I didn't have the reserve funds to make the improvements (10-20k).

I'm interested in what others have found to be the best approach(es) for improving the chances of collecting back rent.

This should be able to qualify for residential if it's 4 units and a 30 year amortization would improve cash flow. 

The situation has improved, however tenant A still feels uncomfortable with tenant B and feel that they are being passive-aggressive towards them.  

Like some of you have said, there is no way to protect yoruself frome very posible situation or hazard but the feedback I am getting makes me realize I need to continue to anaylize and improve on my lease yearly-which I will make a part of my process moving forward.  

Your basis is your purchase price plus purchase costs plus any capital improvements.