Just trying to navigate the best way to go about this and certainly want to keep it legal and ethical.

Most discussions with landlords I've seen indicate an intent to make appropriate business and ethical decisions to treat these people fairly and share the burden.

While I came from very modest means I was also blessed to be taught to have a strong work ethic that has served me well. 

The problem is, what "analyze" means is defined exactly nowhere, and the provision is located within USPAP under a standard that deals specifically with the development of value, not reporting, not ethics, not record keeping, not scope of work, etc.

If you want to do it without the seller knowing, I would challenge the ethics of that strategy.

Ethics are also a part of this business.

@Joel Owens, @Jay Hinrichs, @Russell Brazil - As I listen to you guys talk about your expectations/ethics as service providers, I can't help but think about how it seems like "the art of the relationship" is a dying sentiment in the brokerage world.

Integrity and Ethics are intangibles and lack there of, does not justify any business success.

Normally, our community does a much better job of guiding members in doing things ethically and help to carve out good investing fundamentals. 

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.