The front line people can only handle softball issues, and the bigger issues that go into a black hole they refer to as the "Dev Team."

The contract for deed would have netted us another $10,000 each.Besides, that's why savvy investors have PMs: they are the front line instead, so THEY take the heat - the investor gets the rent.Will some property owners shy away from renting out their units?

Here is what I found: According to state laws (Civil Code § 1941.1 and § 1941.3), at minimum every rental must have:-effective waterproofing and weather protection of roof and exterior walls, including unbroken windows and doors-functioning plumbing, heating, and electrical facilities, including hot and cold running water and a working toilet and kitchen sink-clean and sanitary building and grounds (that is, free of debris, filth, rubbish, garbage, rodents, and vermin), with adequate trash receptacles-well-maintained floors, stairways, and railings-deadbolt locks on certain doors and windows-no lead paint hazards, and-no nuisances, a catchall provision referring to something that is dangerous to human life, detrimental to health, or morally offensive and obnoxious, such as allowing drug dealing on the premises.If I were you I would take LOTS of pictures and document everything.

A lease is the same thing - it's there to protect me from serious offenses.

Just some food for thought from the front lines as a loan officer....

No offense intended. 

irisI say it all the time find a local paralegal and do your home workthis will save you the bar fees and you will be educated about the law in your staterealtors are mostly cream puff seller-(no offense) especially when it comes to something out side the boilerplate contractI bought my first piece of property on a napkin at the black bear dinnermake sure you get in with the title company and make it a habit of being a friend with the county court houseenjoy

No offense to those who answered, but wow!  

Message me if you want an opinion from someone who isn't a real estate agent (no offense to them).

As they say, cashflow if your "defense" --it helps ensure that you aren't at risk of losing the property...but appreciation is the "offense" that allows you to build real wealth