right now, you can let some things slide but if you have to get the city involved...of all cities, mesquite, you will have to fix everything on tenant turn over.It sounds like you have been a little lax on inspections.  

Here are some great sources of information on how the SA market is positioned for growth:http://www.utsa.edu/today/2016/05/jobgrowth.htmlhttp://nreionline.com/single-family-housing/10-cities-fastest-growing-single-family-home-rents#slide-2-field_images-1859961http://www.forbes.com/sites/erincarlyle/2016/01/27/best-buy-cities-where-to-invest-in-housing-in-2016/#7ba224f22429

The question is how do you treat and report a sale, exchange and subsequent purchase when the legal ownership differs from how you have been treating and reporting it for income tax purposes and would the IRS or state audit agency agree with that. 

We always use our attorney to submit the contracts we have to the contractors attorney.Any & all draws are subsequently approved through the attorney after each sub-scope of work is completed to our satisfaction. 

the laminate would keep sliding away from the other pieces.

The more equity you can squeeze in by buying and rehabbing right, the easier it becomes for each subsequent cash-out, ensuring your equity for the NEXT Repeat!

That means that if somebody bought the lien in 2015, they did not pay the subsequent taxes for the next year.

The option deposit and any subsequent money that was going to be applied to the purchase price is also forfeited to you.

I may be way off base but I believe once that first deal happens and that experience is gained, the subsequent deals will be easier since you have that experience and confidence, and you're goal will be much more clearer which may make you adjust that goal. 

In between is a sliding scale.