Whether the key was in the house or outside, the thief could still have taken it. 

Also, be very clear on what is an emergency (fire and water and smoke and alarms) and what is not (light bulbs, etc.)2.

However when we walked the property with our HMLs, they immediately saw no permit in the window and were extremely alarmed, as that would NEVER happen in a market like Philadelphia.

Signage- cameras, alarms, Website, etc.

Sometimes that raises alarm bells as well so you might want to warn them (don't have to though) by letting them know that is coming and what your intentions are.  

Then tried to tell me that I should submit an offer where the earnest money was not refundable regardless of inspections/whatever (which rang all kinds of alarms for me). 

In my case with the facts:Tenant is responsible for utilitiesTenant didn’t left at end of leaseI have started already eviction request but is other issue:Do you think I still should finance that rude "thief" by the name of the "law" or is it OK not to pay and not to call to shut off?

Think guide the blind, alert to a phone ring or fire alarm or seizure, fetch a bottle of water. 

It’s been hood wretched by thief but that’s all.

The septic is a potential problem, but if the septic tank is newer and has an alarm on it.. they work great and you probably wont even notice it!