I'm in California, and my understanding is that landlords are required to pay for any repairs necessary to make a place habitable, and tenants are required to pay for any damage that they are responsible for causing (outside of standard wear and tear).So, if I sign the lease, do I give up that right to have him make repairs under $100?

The suburbs outside of KC(15-30 min) would be a sweet spot.

Outside of that, those days are gone. 

Repainting and changed the color scheme outside and inside.

For the Greater Nashville area, I would recommend looking outside of the Downtown area.

My Question; is it legal for me (property owner/landlord) to create a signed agreement with future Tenants that states, when the outside temperature drops below a certain degree they must "trickle" water from all faucets to prevent bursting and frozen pipes?

The ones outside of Atlanta meet less frequently, and at hours when I"m not normally available. 

Which is fine until someone builds a enclosed porch over the front yard. next I would check the gas meter if it's in the basement and see if the pressure regulator vent is piped outside. 

Buyer understands and agrees that, so long as Seller has fully complied with Seller’sobligations under this Contract, any act or omission outside of the control of Seller, whether intentional or not, that prevents Buyer from satisfying the Balance Due at Closing shall constitute a material breach of this Contract by Buyer. 

Certain mortgage companies will allow this (not so much banks) - those that have programs that accommodate "outside the box" scenarios.