In my unit we also needed new ceiling and dry wall hung and installation done.

If you still decide to go this route then you can hire someone to do the shopping for you, they will pay cash, deliver and install furniture and invoice your IRA. 

I won't pay extra for installing new tenants, since keeping the current tenants happy is plan A. 

I would never install a programmable t-stat in a rental.

You best be prepared to pay a premium to have those trade professionals sign-off on work they didn't install then.

We install steel cages around them.

Installing automatic sprinklers (water at night) and removing tenant access to outdoor water will also help. 

The bathroom job turned into more work, because of the way the old valve was installed, but he stuck with it and got it fixed. 

Try using materials that are easily purchased and installed locally such as Home Depot and Lowe’s they always take back broken items no questions asked just purchase the same sink basket and return the old one 

Lastly, install the combination locks, then all you do is change the code for each renter, MUCH more cost effective .