Have them not anything wrong (carpet condition, paint, yard, etc.)I just helped with a lease of some commercial space for a non-profit I sit on and their leasing agent didn't do this.

Having a non-refundable deposit helps if someone backs out last minute so you can cover those costs. 

Two separate things...the code enforcement violations will actually be an investment in improving your property.Evicting a non-paying tenant will actually be a financially and emotionally rewarding experience for you.  

- the new work from home crowd will find working from HI, PR or some non-US location will find it equally or more pleasant than working from some CA suburban home.

I have two tenants that I just served Notice of Non-Renewal to cut off their perpetual MTM lease and I'm betting one of the Ostriches is going to squat. 

Are there any Texas specific laws we should be aware of besides tht standard non-descrimination laws?

I have a tenant who's 1-year lease ends on 10/31 and then goes month to month.  I do not plan on renewing them but want to make sure I am giving the proper notice.  The forms I have are nonrenewal of month-to-month te...

I am not sure on what kind of financing I can get for the construction since this is a non-owner occupying investment property. any leads ?

My suggestion is to you use a private lender or non-bank commercial lender, they will have more flexibility than traditional or conventional sources. 

In fact, I've always found it to be non-linear.