@Brad Dickinson A couple of observations:1.

I am now making a point of contacting Children's Services when I observe problems in a rental unit.    

Never been to one before and just going to learn and observe.

Doubt those alone will put a dent in supply...But just an observation here. 

Is this observation correct and if so why is that? 

I currently work a job that requires me to drive a lot and on my lunch breaks, I use the time to actively observe for houses could possibly fit my criteria and I simply stop and ask or leave a letter if the owner would be willing to sale it. 

You need to find your own checklist and that's going to require sitting down and doing some hard thinking and observation about those things. 

There is a chance that some additional defect will be observed or they get buyers remorse.

You will never get the truth, and you really have no control of it happening again.Don't judge, just record so you may observe later if needed.

You gotta hire a great expert at this, and than ask many questions, observe closely, learn it all from the safe side-seat.