Also, STR furniture may have a shorter life-span than stuff in a longer term rental.And then there are the zillions of things such as wine glasses, soap dispensers, accent rugs, pictures on walls, shower curtains, napkin holders, coffee makers, hangers, decorative items, and on and on and on..... and on.

As for the rugs I would simply explain that they were already done and if they want it done again it will be at their expense.

I'm sure some people will argue against that but reality doesn't require an argument.Use mid-priced, rugged materials.

Simple but rugged but right now my new one is clogged. 

The last straw for me was seeing they had placed 4 office type rugs by the porch thus destroying any grass.

On the other hand, if the insurance is ridiculous here (I currently rent, so I really don't know), and/ or if a property is uninsurable, well that just pulls the rug out from under that idea. 

I know you know if they are ignoring the smoking then what else is being swept under the rug?

Paint and countertops and rugs installed by home depot, ect, might very well be within your level to get executed.Then once improved, and set better to cash flow, you can then have a property management company manage it for you.Your next property, you would have that company's vendor resources, they likely would willing refer to you, for more involved projects.I would avoid the companies that will buy you a discounted property, renovate it for you, then they will be your property management company.

Light bulbs, furnace filters, paper towels in the kitchen, toilet paper, door entry rugs, shower curtain, mini blinds, or any other USEFUL items that are often forgotten will be appreciated. 

I opened several accounts and funded them with placeholder money until I can get up to speed and intensify my efforts with larger amounts of money.