@Ben Miculob Like previously mentioned in most cities in the State of Texas, all a general contractor has to do to pull permits is register with the city, which may include providing proof of insurance, possibly references, and in some cases authorizing a background check.

(ii) Buyer shall keep Seller and Broker fully informed about the status of Buyer’s mortgage loan application, Loan Approval, and loan processing and authorizes Buyer’s mortgage broker, lender, and Closing Agent to disclose such status and progress, and release preliminary and finally executed closing disclosures and settlement statements, to Seller and Broker.

If the tenant left without authorization to terminate early, then the lease is still in effect, the Landlord should make every attempt to rerent, and the original lease would only terminate when a replacement lease is signed.

(and the sub section on REAL ESTATE MARKETING TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY TAXES & ACCOUNTING LEGAL TEAM)Bonus for the weekend, my collection for starters (read the comments too, and then if you like the author, go check out what else they wrote):https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/stages-of-investing/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/newbies-learn-real-estate-investing/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/5-ways-to-know-youre-not-ready-to-invest/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/ideal-vs-desperate-investor/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/how-much-to-offer-property/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/hazardous-attitudes-of-investors/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2016/05/31/21-traits-scammy-real-estate-investment-guru/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/youre-not-cut-out-to-be-real-estate-investor/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/questions-new-investors-should-ask/If this not enough to get you started and keep you busy ...let me know and I'll send you a list of blogs, podcasts, and books. 

I found this list (and all the properties I have found are in those zip codes), but the author doesn’t state what his list is based on.

You may want to check your local housing authority or commission for the exact guidelines that govern your area.Hope this helps!

See if you can get their authorization to go over there (you may not even need it but it's good to call and ask), give the shady characters a firm deadline to get out, and lock down the place with changed locks and an alarm system when the deadline passes.

Will the local authority make you raise an entire house? 

In my area, law students and housing authorities send "actors" out to walk properties and fill out applications in order to see who violates these laws and they file hefty fines regularly.The benefit of defining your criteria is that it makes it really easy to decide who you rent to, no more comparing applicants. 

A fine has to be levied by those with the authority to do so!