Is this standard practice? 

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

This was also an odd deal because this property was so close to the train tracks- it was practically a train car.

In theory after you have made timely payments on their loan that should be considered, but in practice I have yet to find a loan a officer that can package it so their underwriters will except it. 

They are very good about helping over the phone, and their literature practically begs you to call them when you have a problem.

I've hosted tens of people who I know had something go wrong during their stay, and they either don't leave a review or leave a review that simply says the host was super attentive and nice.Those are the highlights of best practices. 

Communication and Negotiation: What are the best practices for communication and negotiation when dealing with investment properties?

Now you can have a non-confirming unit that becomes illegal because someone calls the city and you get violations, however, it is COMMON PRACTICE in Chicago to rent out or stay in non-confirming units.

They practice in los angeles even though they are in Valencia.

Remember there is a difference between work done to code (good enough) and work done per best practices.