For Regulation D, Rule 506(c) Offerings - self-certification is not usually sufficient as the Issuer of the Securities (sponsor or manager of the offering) has to be "reasonably assured" that you are Accredited.

I had a property rejected for city certification (to use as a rental) because the windows were 1/8 of an inch too small.

Not sure if this will be worth the time and money it will take to get this certification and insurance policy along with whatever else comes along with it.

This requires certifications.

Specifically, I would appreciate recommendations on the following:What courses, certifications, or degrees should I pursue to gain a strong understanding of the real estate market?

@Randy Rodenhouse POS if not mistaken is for outside of Cleveland for areas such us the Heights, S, Euclid, etc....no POS within the Cleveland city limits but they have Lead certification requirement. 

@Wayne Brooks What about a tax deed certification service?

After 4 1/2 years in the Army, I’m now a student at ACI Learning, working on my CompTIA A+, Security+, and Network+ certifications.

We completed all of them and the city inspected and signed off with a compliance certificate.

It does not have a Certificate of Occupancy.