Don't know about your city, but I think in many locations you're going to have a hard time explaining to the code people or the health department about why rat control is the tenant's responsibility. 

You need to look around 30-60 minutes away from there.Also try a US Department of Veterans Affairs Loan.

The police department has only been there once and that was to see if she know whereabouts of her brother.

The mortgage loan department is a good place to make an appointment.

Most brokerages with a commercial RE department allows you to use Costar, LoopNet for free. 

Not sure how things are in Columbus, but I'd reach out to your states' real estate board/commission/department for clarification on what can and cannot be done without a real estate license.

Option 3) Contact your local government department who deals with housing habitability. 

I've called several county departments and have a pretty clear picture of exactly what I'm dealing with. 

Every municipality has their planning and development department and it's good to know the process of the area you are investing in. 

I would recommend getting a freelance architect who is experienced with this kind of work to streamline you through the building department and permit inspections.