I didn't engage a conversation with them because I didn't want to get into a texting battle, which was 100% inevitable.Am I on the hook to initiate the small claims suit?

Pick your battles wisely.

If the rent wasn't being paid, you smell marijuana or hookers / druggies were camped out in the hall that would be terrible.

As mentioned you also get the new paint smell which is definitely a plus to potential renters.  

When they smell of alcohol on their breath early in the day ...

Off the top of my head and keeping in mind that we all have standards that may not be strictly legal would you reject some of these :Neck and facial tattoos, single guys, recently separated women, single mothers, welfare, restaurant workers, nationalities know to cook offensive smelling food, smokers, low income immigrants, bikers, tattoo artists, recreational drug users, prostitutes. others.Or based on human rights laws etc. is everyone welcome as long as they pass basic screening standards. 

Another house I am buying this week is a motivated seller due to dog damage, smells and aggressiveness.  

And if they even smell dope they then have probable cause for a warrant.

For me, while my wife was battling cancer for over ten years, it was having that time to spend with her without having to worry about running to do "something" at a property.

•Smell: Make sure your house does not stink under any circumstances.