I would switch directions and seek a more promising tenant with good background check to ensure not having problems in the future.

[Ensure their rents justify eventual 100% financing].ie.

I leave porno movies on the BluRay player and maybe some beer in the fridge. 

However, it would likely be at the start of a new lease to ensure the possibility of the tenants staying for another year; not a bad idea to factor that into the equation.

Yes, you should be firm and ensure you have signed leases and not be afraid to increase rent. 

The owners are retired and want to structure the deal to ensure that the amount paid to them is not in a lump sum, as this will negatively effect their reportable income and in turn increase their Medicare costs.

The truth is, it is unlikely to gain that large of a foothold because most people with an IQ above 75 know that the government is about to ensure they get over 100% of their usual income in the next couple of months and they won't have any justification for not paying rent.Sure, there will be some idiots joining the movement and not paying rent so they can upgrade their Xbox controller or gaming chair, maybe smoke a little more weed, or get some nice spinner rims for their 1994 Honda Civic.

Same amount of money goes in my pocket but it does provide benefits that I wouldn't otherwise have.Talk to your CPA or attorney to ensure it's set up properly.

Wayfair has decent selection and I like that you can read extensive reviews to ensure you know what you are getting.  

What additional suggestions do you have that we may be missing to ensure we're the local area leader long-term?