So independent of my concerns with purchasing a C level, 8-unit apartment (this would be my first apartment), can you provide me with an opinion as to whether or not this property is something that you would purchase?

My husband and I are still working towards financial freedom ourselves but have been investing in properties for over 10 years and still have further to go to true independence. 

I am an Independent Insurance Agent in Texas who writes policies with a lot of companies.

it doesent matter what the tax basis is , or what a independent apraiser says its worth .

The only areas that I would say to stay away from completely outside of the loop would be Ruskin Heights and the northwest section of Independence.

Is parking in EAT totally independent from lender, current purchase contract, etc.?

You can request additional security deposit but new laws affect how long you can keep that, I believe only one year but you will need to independently verify this.

Those are good steps, it is much harder for them to argue against pictures and an invoice from an independent third party. 

I will generally avoid them but worse case I require that each meets my screening qualifications independently.

@Kris Nicholson You should join TREIA, and (independently) feel free to attend tonight's Triangle Deal Maker Sessions (go to MeetUp for details).