We recently did not renew a tenant in a very nice newer (2006) house in an excellent neighborhood in Las Vegas, as she kept leaving the trash can in front of the garage, violating HOA rules, and id not pull a few weeks (the yard is mostly 3" rocks), drawing a fine from the HOA.

I see if yards are maintained.

Do you have a yard sign?

Its tough for me to give much advice as around here anything reasonably priced for rent it is easily filled within 2 weeks.But as others suggested price compare and if possible visit your competition... do the others have a better yard or appliances etc...

I think going to local lumber yards/building supply and asking some of the sales people who to use.

Should I get a building inspector to give me his opinion on what needs to be done to salvage it and use that to help my case?

., sign in the yard, FaceBook page & ads, and the BP marketplace.

Vacant properties - I classify these separately from  "abandoned", so I'm looking for For Rent signs, no window coverings, signs someone has recently moved out, etc.Abandoned properties - over grown yards, old fliers on the front door, anything that makes it look like people haven't been aroundDeferred maintenance - trees hanging on the roof, broken windows, lots of peeling paint, fence falling down, et.cFor anything except the For Sale by Owner and any property with a For Rent sign - both of which should have a phone number on the sign - I just use the county tax site to get owner contact information and send them a letter.Here's a link to 2 excellent Blog posts from Chris Feltus on Driving for Dollars...http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/05/03/driving-for-dollars-bible-part-1/http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/05/10/driving-for-dollars-tracking-owners/

I look for cracked bricks/mortar on exterior, missing condenser, roof condition, yard, etc. 

The insurance company must have had someone with a ladder look over the fence in the back yard in order to see it.