A local attorney that deals with them is of course the best source.Sellers routinely have to sign affidavits attesting to no such disputes, and to indemnify the buyer, for whatever that is worth.I’d speak with the contractor, get a feel for his intentions, after learning the potential consequence, go from there.

It will be like routine work. 

Does anyone know the Virginia laws regarding taking pictures of the interior of an occupied rental unit during a routine inspection of the unit?

I will start adding this into my routine and I’ll keep you posted on what happens.

Or have that mortgage paid down and be slightly uncomfortable living with randoms but knowing your place will be governed completely on your terms.

The IRS does not like this and will routinely disallow such an arrangement if discovered.But there's the same result from the opposite action. 

From what we are finding, some lenders are uncomfortable with one entity owning more than 20% of an association.

This will require doing some scary or at least uncomfortable things. 

The home inspector also recommended sealing valleys and flashing as routine maintenance in order to prevent leaks, which i did. 

This is a routine, day-to-day thing that's very likely to occur during a 1-2 year lease option contract period.