by the way, cos = certificate of occupancy.

I have the passion and commitment for this lifestyle but even with me consuming as much information as my brain can handle I feel like I need to have certifications and titles to associate with my soon to be business. 

Does the property have wind storm certification.

If a non-conforming use was established before the zone was created or changed then you can apply for a certification from the city.

If there is no probate file the last resort will be to pull the death certificate, Whomever filled it out will be your 1st point of contact.Here's the link: http://kernpublichealth.com/death-certificates/Good luck @Matt Owen

Pull the death certificate.

I have the fundamentals of a real estate agent certification (books / meetups).  

We won a property on auction.com that was listed as the redemption period being over in August 2016 - well we won the rights to the sheriff's certificate.

Would there need to be a certificate of occupancy issued for the separate unit in order for it to be insured?

I like the sound of doing small apartment complexes or tax debt certificates and deed acquisition sold at auction are more up my alley.