One thing I would add here is to check prior landlord references, not just from their current one.

There is a free 7-day trial of PassivePockets available if you'd like to check it out before committing to the membershipBest of luck, and again, I'm sorry for the situation you're in that's really awful.

My company is licensed in 31 states for owner occupied loans (check my profile) and I can lend in 45 states for business purposes loans (nonQM and dscr loans).

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

One thing you can check is crime stats in an area.

Yes you can check eventbrite and facebook. 

Windows would be my next check-point (less than R1) and then wall insulation: I would not be surprised if they have no insulation inside, but you can do blow-in, which only requires a small hole.A home looses heat in two ways: heat conduction (which you can slow down with insulation) and drafts, which in old houses is usually the biggest culprit.

I can check the Register of Deeds site, type up a deed, and purchase a house in 2 hours.

At last check, the California Fair Plan has nearly $500B in insured property and $700M in reserves.

Yeah make sure to thoroughly conduct background checks on private institutions you lend from.