Has anyone spoke/interviewed tenants during due diligence?

[George Voutsinos]

I'm sure it's most likely frowned upon but on the smaller scale apartment buildings, during due diligence has anyone ever tried speaking with tenants to uncover any existing conditions or deferred maintenance problems they may be facing?  Sometimes contractors or inspectors may not catch everything.

[Evan Polaski]

Yes.  Who is frowning upon it?  The seller? The current management team? That is all the more reason to do it. If they were keeping their tenants happy, they would have no qualms.  

100% I talk to as many tenants as possible at the property.  Sometimes you do need to take what you hear with a grain of salt, or else you will never buy anything.  But chat them up outside, while you are in their unit doing physical inspection, in the common areas.