Thank you all for your insights, I've learned so far that even though you make your condo/apartment 'lead safe cert.' and pass the inspection, the external part or 'common areas' such as stairs/hallways/walls or even other apartment doors etc.

And the statement about feeling shady implied you were feeling pressured, either internally or externally, to do something you didn't really like.Just my 2cents.Secure funding, either conventional or hard money, then put it under contract.

The right wall on the picture is an external wall.

There is no magic, mystery or external powers controlling that success.

Most people that I know who do R.U.B.S. and external company do the calculation and billing.

While it is true an external inspection will be compromised or impossible, you can usually have a good romp through the inside (attic included).  

The landlord is responsible for the common parts and external and structural repairs but there is a service charge to cover all outgoings.

@Joshua Weidman love just inlisting someone outside of the team as an external vetter.

Instead of a deadbolt, you could use a dead-latch on the external door which would get you your automatic close.  

This coming from a pessimist when it comes to external environments outside my control.