Locking something in contract is never a bad idea assuming you think you DO want to buy it and think it is a good deal, you just need to be pretty sure you are going to be able to close or have outs and are not going to harm the seller (i.e. have a conscience about it.) 

Your claim is that the PM's negligence has harmed you by a failure to be able to collect against all parties in a lawsuit.

I dont see any harm in meeting with tenants you are inheriting.

Were you implying my comment was harmful?  

So what happens if there is an incident (fire, for example) that originates in and/or harms someone in an illegal unit?

I continue to do the things I enjoy, but only as long as I am good at them, and I'm not causing myself harm in the process.  

Stay close to your broker working with you and ensure they are aware of your specific criteria.I mean you can definitely do all of the other marketing methods you mentioned for sure, no harm, but I think you are doing everything correctly especially for your first deal.

Otherwise your deal doesn't get done, and your seller is left hanging, and potentially harmed. 

I suppose it doesn't do any harm.

So I would definitely try to single out an individual unless you know the church group and don't foresee any harm to the property.