You would only be obligated to pay for installation if you had falsely advertised that hookups existed when they actually didn't.Make a written agreement with him that he can have licensed, insured professionals install the hookups at his expense and that the hookups become your property when he leaves.

From Colorado Landlord-tenant law (check to make sure there aren't any local landlord-tenant rules you need to comply with as well):"Abandonment of Property Provisions in ColoradoIn Colorado, personal property is considered abandoned if:The tenant has not contacted the landlord for at least 30 days, andThere is nothing to lead the landlord to believe that the tenant is not abandoning the possessions.If the tenant leaves possessions behind on the rental premises, the landlord should make a reasonable effort to contact that tenant.

I want to make sure I don't leave money on the table, how would I determine the list price given that it has the opportunity to generate rental income?

A little bit of it is going to be feel with your new tenant alongside the math of vacancy vs. rent increase if the current tenant decides to leave.

I also find myself in this predicament but I will tell you that I wouldn't recommend essentially buying sight unseen, and if you put in an offer most LA's if they accept it will allow you to "view the property" I would just make sure you have some outs like if you find the property is in dire need of repairs and then the tenant leaves you may find yourself with an expensive rehab.

My goal is to leave my W2 in a few years as well.

It is a deposit for damage or repairs, should they not buy or leave on bad terms. 

There has to be a lease violation (sometimes multiple) and you have to follow the process.You can ask the tenant to leave, and see if they'll agree.You can tell them to leave, and see if they're gullible enough to do it without a fight.My recommendation is that you tell the tenant you want the unit back.

That may mean that you have to drop your price point to leave room in your budget. 

Leaving downtown to companies like you.