Also in Detroit where I’m investing they are very strict on having rentals up to code so I’ll be using some of the extra money I had saved for obtaining my Certificate of Compliance.

Good luck getting them to ever issue you another rental certificate again. 

If you decide to go this route I would not give them any money till the work has been completed, they have passed inspection, gotten a certificate of occupancy, and have opened for business.

That was inclusive of the inspector reports, remediation, and re-inspection for issuance of certificate. 

Can you send me a copy of his certificate, so I can check this out?

True it is cash, and Coinstar will give you gift certificates to lots of places.

I mostly deal in deeds so I'm not well-versed in certificates. 

With an elevation certificate flood is actually not very expensive. 

Make sure you get all relevant documents prior to close including move in pictures, catalog, tenant applications, contact information, rental certificates, and maintenance records. 

You can only STR certain unit types, you can only rent "36 contracts per year", you need a $900+ per year certificate, town taxes, they require someone to meet your guest at checkin, on and on.