Seller went to get a certificate of occupancy which reflected it as a 2 family (which is a problem since our lender was expecting it to be a 3 family), and the city then refused to issue a smoke and fire certificate because of the presence of a stove in a unit that wasn't supposed to be a unit.

However, these are Federal laws and apply to all States and Territories. 

Should get documents signed in the presence of a RE attorney?

Maybe ask around agents/brokers in your area if they know who handles REOs for lenders who have a local presence and /or are located elsewhere but have local properties they own.You can also look for vacant properties and see if the posted notices say who the lender was.

Something to consider if you’re buying off the MLS, SA has a huge military presence.  

It is so much easier than trying to look it up yourself especially if your property is on a utility territory boundary.

And what would your opinion be on flipping houses in either Albany, Troy or Glenns FallThere is a growing need for student housing in the area, and a stronger presence of investors who like turn key investments. 

ONe of the big wholesaler jumped on another thread offering to go drive by and made the comment  ( hey I probably sold them the house)  OK so wholesaler makes moneycontractor makes money.. don't think oceanpointe was doing this a charity someone had to own these and want the owner profit.. then you have the marketing company and you and I know what they make.So you add that all up and there is not enough gross revenue to feed all the mouths.. so what gets done is you buy the worse hood rats for next to nothing.. market them like they are top shelf investments.. sell them to a bunch of newer or newbie investors who don't know what they don't know but because you have this huge social media presence they are inclined to trust you. 

The lower pressure in the hallway (assuming this exists because of the presence of an air return) should pull colder air from the floor of the room into the warmer hallway and allow more air flow through the supply in the cold room.

It's important for investors to stay informed about these developments and to ensure that they are operating within the law.While it's true that the short-term rental market is still relatively new and uncharted territory, it's important for investors to be mindful of the risks and potential consequences of operating outside the law.