I told the owner about the water leaks and the wet carpet he cut the wet part of the carpet and left it for 5 months, it was dirt particals in the air in the apartment from the carpet.

If I plan to do something like cut down bushes or treat the trees I let them know in advance. 

What are you wanting to accomplish (replace flipping income, cut out the middle man - source your own deals, find something easier)?

I'd be digging in to WHY the owner is cutting his losses rather than finishing the rehab.

It’s going to end up costing a little bit more to replace than if we would have done it initially since they have to cut through some of the siding to get to it.

Just the yard alone cost us $1,000.00 to have the trash removed, grass cut, and shrubs groomed. 

Cut your loses and concentrate on efforts to find a new tenant.

I do FSBO stuff, and I when I list my own stuff I give my company a cut!

Now equities are much more volatile in terms of business prospects and perception but even in real estate this strategy would seem to cut off your gains while still giving you the risks of ownership.

Some shady investors tend to do that to cut down on costs, and most get away with it.