I began ripping up floor boards believing this was just a one a time event but to my surprise I discovered a significant amount of mold beneath the plastic and on top of the slab.

If they are worried about smoke-which is temporary, they can put plastic film over the openings-same as some people do in the winter to keep the cold out. 

Such as cement cast, plastic. 

Over the past year or so, he has done updates throughout...new kitchen w/ granite (stainless steel appliances still have protective plastic on them), bathrooms, flooring throughout, new deck out back, etc.

But assuming due to plastic components and its age, the tenants informed me today that for the last few uses the dishes are not as clean, and they also noticed there is now rust left on the silverwares.It is an old dishwasher, but is otherwise functional.

The reason brass assemblies are still holding on is that they control the sound of draining water better than plastics do, they are "quieter."

If the pipes are not yet collapsed they will shoot epoxy in the lines creating a plastic system inside the cast iron.  

So wrapping them in duct tape is not my optimal solution.I am willing to get a hepa mask and suit up and attempt to do the work myself but I am a littel hesitant as I have not dealt with this before and not even sure if I am legally allowed to.It is an unfinished basement that is empty except for the boiler and washer/dryer so maybe if I put plastic and seal off the entrance to upstairs wet the asbestos and remove/double bag it it is doable.

-fixing up the property little by little to build up "pride of tenant ownership": if the property is updated and taken care of, tenants will be more reluctant to destroy/harm it.I was also thinking of installing a ANIMAL WASTE STATION with a sign, trash basket and plastic bags, however it's 300$, and we will not need it within a year.

But it's the rigid ones, with with rigid plastic hinge cutouts that are lasting the longest and always close.