Dont you get it all back come tax time anyway??
No. You can claim a portion of it spread out over several years (depending on what it is). Even then you only get back what your tax rate is. For most people, this would be 31.5% including medicare levy. As an example, if you outlay $2000 on 1/7/11, and you can claim depreciation at 30%, you would get back $189 in your 2012 tax return. Each year thereafter would be less. In the 2013 tax return, you'd get $132.50. Even then, you only get it as a refund if you have actually paid more tax than you needed to elsewhere. It's a common misunderstanding. A tax deduction of $x doesn't mean you get $x back, it means your income is reduced by $x and your tax is worked out on the lower amount.

I would consider putting in ceiling fans if the tenant requested it and they were good tenants. Some things I wouldn't consider. For example, our tenant requested permission to have a cat. We said no as the property is not suitable for pets (unfenced 1bed unit) and not allowed by body corporate anyway. I won't be surprised if she doesn't renew her lease because of it but it can't be helped. We have always repaired anything that needs repairing straight away.