I was curious if anyone had any input on steps to take to cover my rear end.

This could bite you in the rear if the borrower gets mad and wants to report you.

Many people drawn to RE are the same way.

For us they are paid in the rear so it complicates matters.Also, re-check the local utilities, in some areas unpaid utilities are lienable against the property, not the account holder.  

I would think on a forum like BP more of us would be encouraging the youngster to brush up on fundamentals, rather than 2006-style risk taking.EDIT: If you read my first post carefully, you will realize that im not 'naysaying' im actually encouraging OP to educate himself

Goals include making 1 buy-and-hold purchase each year.Leave the flipping to the youngsters with time on their hands :)

The lot depth is 117 ft after front and rear yard setbacks so that leaves about 23 ft of "width" for each unit. 

Had similar situation in Hoover/Birmingham but with 10 year old home and bad poured slab foundation with 3" drop from middle of home to rear.

The PCR stated $8500 worth of foundation repairs, $1600 worth of HVAC copper lines replacement due to vandalism, $3500 worth of replace damaged and missing electrical lines throughout, little roof work in the one hundreds, replace and repair $1000 worth of siding and replace and repair front and rear doors for $500.This house has a pool and in the photos, it was covered and probably needs to be closed and I am guessing another $5000.The house went under contract on September 22nd and on the door I found a note from the city saying the water has been turned on September 23rd.

Other than that, you DON'T need to worry about setbacks if the garage is existing, only if you intend to expand it and as such, you only need 4ft from rear and side now.