The property management company has developed a plan to meet this requirement:a) cleaning all windows troughs and sills, scraping and painting of window troughs and sillsb) scraping and painting of all previously painted floor surface that is chipping or peelingc) scraping and painting of any exterior paint that is chipping or peeling including garage decks and house d) scraping and painting of all exterior door thresholds and jams Their estimated to complete this pre-inspection repair work is $500.The certification inspection is $350City filing fee $50Property management coordination fee $50I need to know if this certification is mandatory or not, maybe Cleveland realtor and property manager on Biggerpockets could answer me and clarify my doubts.Let me know pleaseThank you very much

Fix everything you plan to, clean it, have it professionally photographed and listed with a realtor to make sure you get fully vetted tenants and the most options.If you were a renter in today's market and walked into a new listing with a nice front photo online and it was under renovation, would you pay market value?

Can someone guide me where to apply and obtain a license to build this basement unit to an official unit with its address, electric, and other amenities?

Your reviews, especially when starting, are everything, and the worst reviews come from bad cleanings and things not disclosed in the listing that should be.You are making the right moves with a designer as long as they have experience in your particular area. 

The bathroom was pretty decent, so we were able to just get it professionally cleaned and the house was ready to rent.

There is one or more sections of possibly damaged/cracked drain line found under the home as viewed from the clean out at the front of the home.

Older buildings with older systems: plumbing, electric, HVAC, roof, tend to have more maintenance costs than newer properties.  

Agreed, last deal I had in Jersey city was lost due to really bad plumbing and electrical issues, on a older mixed use building. 

I found out they wanted to go to Atlanta to stay with family, I offered to pay for the flights in exchange for keys and within a week I got a squeaky clean house back.But, be careful: an offer of cash for keys can get your eviction case thrown out (in Wisconsin), so don't try both at the same time.

It could just be some roots in the sewer line that you can have cleaned out for $100-200.