Here is the RI fire safety code there is a section for 3 family apartment. http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/regdocs/relea...Not sure if there is somewhere to see if this is most current. 

The reason is that generally the insurance company is able to underwrite each contractor based on their loss history, safety procedures in place, etc.

I've been consulting to high risk industries, including oil & gas, for many years on the safety side of things.

The smashed-out-of-it's-frame rear door is immediately secured and barred shut  (it is redundant and does not restrict safety egress).  

New-guy interested in becoming a real estate investor. Forming my vision, goals and plan now. I will acquire my first rental property in 2016. I'm interested in learning as much as a I can and connecting with some loc...

Step and repeat keeping your cash as a safety net.  

If the house is old then you really do need to bring the staircase up to current health/safety standards.

I've never dealt with rent control, but I believe that has more to do with the rate of rent increases rather than forcing you to do maintenance/repairs (though there are certain repairs for safety, etc that must be done timely). 

Assuming your lease/license is in order, and no known defects that threaten health, life or safety, you can keep the SD plus interest in the amount of the unpaid rent.

There are way too many deals out there to count on appreciation to be your safety net.