What's from saying the owner wasn't there and at the grocery store when they stop by to check. 

We have had good luck with scratch and dent at DIY stores too. 

I'd assume they had no proof of ownership...But good news Craigslist/fb market place full or cheap washer and dryer...used appliance stores are a thing .

Does anyone use a goal tracking app on their phone? 

I had an open house once I got final loan approval, so I could run apps and choose a tenant during escrow and have less time vacant after closing.

With the shift to the most important screen in people’s lives being their phone landlords will have to adapt to all the changes that come with that, texting vice calling, looking everything up on their phones, wanting an app or portal to pay, communicate, get updates.

It'll be good to not have cities competing with one another by giving away taxpayer money to build big box stores.

I would recommend visiting the tools tab on Bigger Pockets above, then under services, click on landlord resources - there will be some good software/app options for you to use. 

Read Anson Young's Finding and Funding Great Deals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/finding-and-funding-great-deals-ultimate

You can find a basic tub and surround at any of the big box stores for $300-500, or a premium quality one for $500-1,000.