@Garrett Haefele I've heard the same bad things about NY and NJ from other investors so we avoid those states as well.We're doing good in Cook county on a few notes we have but we're probably just lucky since the borrowers haven't contested FC.

. * If I receive a city violation and want to contest it, can I attend the hearing or do I need to hire a lawyer? 

As the settlement statement current is, I am withholding $5K as a security deposit until the seller vacates in 30-60 days with a post-closing occupancy agreement, before I knew of the problem tenant contesting a pretty clear-cut eviction process for non-payment. 

The bank never foreclosed, I notifed them and they didn't contest the tax sale, their lien was removed and I sold it free and clear.

Such as somehow give public notice for anyone to contest it?

In his will he states if any of his children contest the will they will be disinherited.

The trouble is in proving the QCD is legitimate if it is unrecorded and legitimate if it has been recorded but is contested.

I'm sure there is a process to contest their repair requirements.

You could contest it by providing the $350k comps you are talking about.You can pay for the full appraisal or you can also pick a different bank which will order it's own appraisal.

They typically contest taxes all the time for property owners so tend to have some good info on what to expect.