Follow up question: would that level of “drain snaking” cause issues in units below?

With an S Corp, distributions of appreciated property are treated as a sale by the corp causing pro rata recognition at the shareholder level.It's easier to pass through tax losses to LLC members than to S Corp shareholders because of favorable rules relating to the tax bases of LLC ownership interests.This isn't an all-inclusive list but wanted to show you some of the differences.

can cause you a lot of anguish, stress, and other issues. 

It must have been a dump.So basically you listed a really bad property, and not only that, but listed it inaccurately, causing people to get upset and rate you poorly once they booked.

This is refundable to them provided that their pets do not provide cause any damage to my home.2) I only allow one pet and I require them to upload a photo of their pet at the time of their rental application to protect against any changes.3) This one isn't necessarily a guideline, but a practice I implemented: I have tenant-proof AND pet-proof materials in my rental such as luxury vinyl flooring, quality tile, and furnishings that can withstand pet accidents.I am also considering charging pet rent, but it is a mere thought at this point.

Also had a bad dispute on money in the end and caused unnecessary tension to this day. 2.

Also had a bad dispute on money in the end and caused unnecessary tension to this day. 2.

I feel like physical gold is a possibility, but to convert it back to cash if I need to purchase a property could cause me to lose money too?

Getting that monthly check on time will not make up for the thousands they may cause down the road.  

The only time I think it makes sense to have the seller make repairs is when the lack of repairs could cause more problems with the home by the time you close on the property (such as leaking roof, heat before winter time).