We have moved to hardwired-interconnected with battery backup (in older buildings we use the ones that interconnect wirelessly if we cannot easily pull a 14/3 between the detectors).We also make it very clear in our lease that disabling or impairing the functionality of any fire/gas detection or suppression equipment is a minimum $200.00 fine and cause for termination of the tenancy.

Will soon expand my search to Raleigh.

Are you in a location that will attract another good renter easily or will you face a long vacancy if the current renters move out?

Thankfully it's not quite like a corporate job, because you can always jump to a different brokerage fairly easily.

@John Burtle While I think you can easily find smaller local banks that will do construction loans on new construction 2-4 unit houses, some of the items that you want are likely impossible.I build duplex houses for long term rentals.

@Allen Maris I will definitely expand my thinking to other areas.

Besides in a market like Jersey City, you will get another tenant easily, considering the notice period he has given you. 

Glassboro may actually be one of your better options though with Rowan expanding like it is...you'll be able to charge students a per room rate rather than a per house rate and perhaps get more money that way.

I'm not advocating anything that isn't legal, I just want to be able to expand into other areas that are not typical of property seeking.

I am a real estate broker, but entered the business as an investor and constantly work to expand my circle of professionals (investors, contractors, attorneys, wholesalers) in the business.