If the prior owner just sealed up a doorway and called it a 3-unit, you’d need to get zoning approval, probably some inspections, and it’ll take time and money.

. , they will install drain tiles inside and also dig about 3 ft. down, around the outside of the house to seal any cracks and refill mortar joints.

Good morning,  I live in Seal Beach and am very interested in Rental property investments  and would like to connect, I am a newbie in this industry. 

SEALING REPAIR. 1.CARPET CLEANING: Initial landlord sent me a fake receipt/bill with $296.72.

It is an off market deal, and when the owner sent me more details, one of the bullet points read: "The siding is asbestus but the house just got completely repainted and it is sealed."

I don’t see why you can’t get some quick patch and maybe some seal coating.

These are all questions whose answers will help you chart the way forward ... there is no one size fits all answer.From an operational perspective it is always pleasant to know that your building envelope is relatively efficient (insulated and air sealed); that building systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC and communications are up-to-date and dependable) and that you have the ability to put accountability for resource consumption in the hands of the tenants.  

I successfully eliminated all types of crawling pests larger than an ant from a duplex we own by physically sealing all holes that I found with caulk or even that nasty yellow gap filler stuff for larger areas. 

Usually they have found an entry into a crawl space, you need to seal the entry with them out.

They recommended we have the basement sealed up and have work done to keep it dry to the tune of $15k-$20k.