The right cleaning chemicals can make an older range look brand new.

Here in the glorious "tenant friendly" (please, please, let's not be so harsh to use the term "anti-landlord") state of MA, my understanding is that it is ILLEGAL to collect anything more than the following in advance: 1) first month's rent, 2) last month's rent, 3) a security deposit in an amount not to exceed the first month's rent, and 4) the purchase and installation cost of a new lock and key.

Its totally moot since most water mains are PVC, which is the worst of the bunch in terms of leaching chemicals.

Most Investors will tell you appraisers "know nothing" but I wouldn't be so harsh - most of them know their own names.Best of luck whatever you decide. 

Not meaning to sound too harsh, maybe I should try to sound even more harsh.  

You are looking at wiping down all surfaces, including walls and ceilings, with chemicals, running an air purifier or ionizer, replacing all carpeting, and that still may not take care of it.Hopefully their security deposit was a big one and you can get them out of there soon.

Hate to sound harsh but business is business.

There are many commercial chemicals that can help, such as CLR.  

I submitted a written offer today for a property in a neighborhood close to where I live.Here are some of the details, please let me know your thoughts, however harsh they may be...Purchase Price: $295,000 (Seller is absorbing 4% for closing costs)Down Payment: $0Gross Potential Rents: $24,000/yr ( I feel that these numbers are a little low for the area)Expenses: (Let me know if you think I may be missing something)Property Tax: $3,800/yr ( I may be exempt in Oregon for have a disabilty from my military service)Repairs/Maintenance: $2,400/yrInsurance: $600/yrUtilities: $2,200/yrTotal Expenses: $9,000 roughly per yearNet Operating Income: $15,000/yearDebt Service: $16,500/year (roughly)I am trying to get the price down to $285,000 after my walkthrough and inspections.

While escaping the harsh Canadian winter I could manage the investment properties more hands-on.