I am in the process of buying my second but have hit a road block.

I now understand you were looking for the things that normal due diligence might miss.I had a person who bought a property that was in a larger town and there was the air space above the house that was sold so that no one could block another building or sign. 

It is in an area that is very “block by block” and I got lucky.

When she couldn't get any takers, her postings and messages just got more and more weird as the night went on.Admins finally blocked her and removed her posts, but I got to see them later when she tried to admit them as evidence in the Discrimination case she later filed against me.  

Second, even without selling the property, I could still refinance and tap in the equity to do other things, so I'm not completely blocked here either.

You may feel you are the smartest kid on the block and that may even be true however, you cannot increase another person's risk and shed responsibility to another without their full awareness and acceptance and there are just too many holes in your permise which is why it is illegal. 

Purchase Price with closing: $130,000Rehab: ~$80,000Total all in cash: $210,000ARV: $270,000 on average (low-end would be 250k and high-end would be $300k but a house just a block away appraised for $325k recently with lower finishing than what I am planning)If we flipped the property:Closing costs: $21,600Net: $36,900If we refinance and then rent:Rent: $1400 (but could be $1600 based on other comps)Tax: $100Insurance: $200All utilities: tenant responsibilityProperty Management (10%): $140 (we would self-manage but I like to build this number in my calculations)Vacancy (5%): $70Repairs (5%): $70CapEx (5%): $70Net: $750With only a net of $750, pulling out our cash via refinance the property would put us in a negative cashflow.

Small blocks, all look well maintained (landscaping, upkeep, etc.).Definitely the most rural-feeling of the areas we visited.

Usually the basics for good curb appeal and return would be:Green grass (no weeds or big empty patches), have the trees and bushes pruned.Use low lying flowers/shrubs at front of house so there's some color and character.. but you're not blocking up the view of front of the homeKeeping things generally 'manicured' is the better way to go. 

I personally see no reason a selling agent with block someone from seeing a property, unless they had instructions from the seller to do so (and it was legal).