The city approved rental license inspector essentially just tested to make sure there was access to hot water, access to heat, no unsafe conditions like exposed electric wiring, CO/smoke detectors present/functional, fire extinguishers present/not expired, etc.

Doesn't Buildium have an accounting function though?

Then I weigh that against potentially living in housing court evicting people, fixing up destroyed units, and the far more intense hands on management required.

Once you have a shortlist, sign up for an account with each one and test them extensively to see how they function.

It' a function of price now, and if you can find a deal that is priced accordingly, then you buy it, especially if you like the fundamentals long term

I finally ended up having to threaten to take them to court in order to get my last disbursement.   

Would you replace a current functioning 1000 gal septic tank to a 1250 gal tank in order to list my flip as a 4 bedroom as opposed to a 3 bedroom.

Hopefully their deposit is higher than the damage, but if not, you can document everything and try small claims court, but honestly it is not worth your time as you are unlikely to see the money if you win. 

Can someone tell me if this is correct: if the owner redeems they have to pay the full bid price, fees and court costs, 10% interest, and any “necessary” repairs (what constitutes that)?

You might have a capex report by location and function.