If the place doesn't seem like it needs any real repairs (besides cleaning, paint, and maybe fixing a cabinet) does that change how you would approach the situation?

If they don't, you'll take them to court and hold them responsible for all unpaid rent, cleaning and repairs, court costs, attorney fees, etc.If that doesn't work, hire an attorney.

I am in the Smoky Mountains, and we get crazy pests out here, they can usually be handled by routine pest control. 

If the title is pretty clean, some title insurance companies will insure over the top and you would not need to do a quiet title. 

I put all new flooring in the upper level of their unit, its a bi-level duplex, and the bedrooms are in the basement, which has carpeting, as did my side, but I tore my carpet out due to years of dog urine never cleaned out of it, which soaked into the cement and even after enzyme cleaning and layers of scent sealing paint and then vinyl plank flooring, I can still smell it in the damp weather.

I keep everything on one LLC for clean record keeping and so I can file one tax return 

Plumber went to the townhouse and confirmed broken pipe, stopped the leak with a temp fix and tenant cleaned up the standing water.

As Cris is saying, a title search needs to be performed, and a clean title needs to be produced, and their attorny and yours (if you are in an attorney state) all need to find a time they are all available.

As well as is the bed made and clean, are there crumbs inside the couch. 

If you have a busy 9-5 routine but have the money to get started and don't have enough time, turnkey companies provide some of the best resources to scale your portfolio.