A Thorough title search includes written inquiry to the code enforcement dept (and utilities, etc) in order to uncover any existing but unrecorded code violations.  

Doubt you'd have trouble with the appraiser or bank--your main concern, which is already clear from your post, is if/when the municipality uncovers the dark secret hiding in your basement.  

Your list should show that if it has owner info.I would mail monthly and track the results in detail including best day to mail, type of piece that gets results, owner occupancy, area and type of property that gets best results etc The more you test and track the more patterns you can uncover.

Do not renegotiate on minor details... but always assess the deal as new information is uncovered.

What happens when you uncover a truly motivated seller who simply doesn't have enough equity to make the numbers on a flip work?  

I do believe that if you stick to your requirements and  expand your prospect pool you will uncover a great deal.  

Cannot afford specialised attorney.

We are real estate investors and brokers dealing mainly in the Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India area.We specialise in bulk deals with builders and generally buy out 30 - 50% of the project and then resell the flats.Have been in the business for the last 8 years.

Kind Regards,Justin PetersReal Estate ProfessionalDallas/Fort Worth Take more action and the rest will uncover itself. 10X the amount of effort. 

Just started uncovering the real estate world about 2 months ago and love what I am seeing on Bigger Pockets!