In fact, you can't get a new vacation rental license in either city, nor in the unincorporated Summit County that surrounds those towns. 

Hi Everyone, I am a licensed agent in PA.

The other frustrating piece to that pie is that folks assume because properties are going for cheap in an area that contractor rehab work is going to be 'discounted' as well, and it is NOT discounted, it's the same going rate, if not MORE in less expensive neighborhoods because it is MORE COMPETITIVE in those areas for licensed contractors.

The best route is using licensed foundation companies and engineers to conduct work surveys to determine what needs to be done and then having that work done by licensed companies with warranties. 

If the later is the case, unless your contract with that buyer had specific performance language in it, there is nothing you can do.As to the advice above about potentially clouding title, you are now entering the legal realm and you should NOT be taking legal advice from anyone other than your attorney as clouding title in THIS case can swing back at you from the original sellers for not performing and claiming damages against you.If you intend to wholesale, you need to do it legally and ethically and in many states, that requires either a license, closing on it with your funds or borrowed funds, then marketing for resale once you have title, or having your buyer upfront, forming a legal entity with both you and buyer as owners.

When you apply for a rental license do they look for un-permitted work?

More or less right in the process.But you will hire someone with a home builder license, not a GC.Also important to understand the costs.

My concern is obtaining a construction loan without a contractor's license. 

I'm a newly licensed agent.

You’ll need all the requisite licensed professionals providing new drawings of what you intend to do.