Put safety first by looking closely at homes, guessing fix-up costs, working with good workers, and having backup plans for surprises.

You can always try check with the city's planning or building & safety departments to see if they have any type of file related to the parcel, and if they do, if there is any due diligence in the file, i.e. soils, etc. 

Most lenders/investors are wanting a margin of safety in investment loans given where the economy and RE cycle are at.

He figured out instead of owning the fast food building, own the land underneath and land contract to franchisees. 

(additional info: changing the stairs or getting new ones would be a massive undertaking)You might be able to get them to sign some sort of waiver, but then if anyone gets seriously hurt it likely won't save you.Some attorney will argue you willfully ignored a known safety issue, and as the "big bad landlord" you'll lose your shirt and then some.Plus, your post here will be Exhibit A and definitely won't win you any points with a judge!

@Dan ThomasAs a civil engineer, a former planning board member and someone who had to do a curb cut on Virginia DOT road for my home I have some experience in this. 100% absolutely your engineer should have been talking with DOT early on, especially if site distances are not met as that is a safety issue and one that is very hard to overcome.

Guest safety is the most important, yet overlooked, priority for investors.

I'm sure they do a great job, just adding some food for thought. 

The numbers may look great on paper, but if there could be a larger threat to your safety than you bargained for, websites like neighborhoodscout.com can help you navigate that dynamic before learning the hard way!

The past couple years, this tenant has taken liberties with some things around the property that have created a safety hazard for others in the building and a liability for us as the owners.