I think it mostly depends on what the market wants. I wouldn't want to rent a furnished apartment but maybe there are other such apartments in your area that are quick to rent and there's a market for more furnished apartments?

I would certainly write my contracts so damage has to be paid for.

I think one can ask a bit more for furnished apartments and, over time, that would pay for the furniture, but then again, the furniture will get spills/damage and have to be replaced.

I don't know the neighborhood, types of renters you're looking for, etc. I remember when our parents rented out one of my childhood homes, when we came back there were burn marks all around the hardwood floor where the husband had been smoking in bed and despite having a teenage son and husband, my brother had to mow the lawn right away, it was several feet tall!