My own basement was dry for a decade . . . until we did some renovations/additions that accidentally messed up an exterior drain system . . .

If they are good tenants, stop treating them as if you are a slumlord.Or, you take money off the rent and have them fix or supply a washer system they can take with them when they leave.Need to state so much in a lease addendum.

It means a lot to me and I know all the other newbies are thankful as well. 

I have a friend who’s landlord keeps neglecting to replace their broken HVAC system.

Trying to tackle collections can be tricky like looking at the date of last activity and managing the negotiated payoffs correctly.Banks have a system where we can run "what if simulators" and rapid rescores. 

This would be my first property so I have a lot to learn I’m sure.

What about heat and AC, are they all separate units or a central system?

There could also be an issue with the auto defrost system and the water dispenser may be the first symptom.

In terms of ducks in a row, I think that has a lot to due with what your lease says regarding eviction, sounds like a simple breach of contract to me, if your lease says no smoking and you can prove he has been smoking, it says rent is due on the first and he is late, noise ordinance and he isn't respecting it? 

Also invest in the best security systems you can get and do everything else you need to be safe.