Now I look very hard at wiring, foundations, any signs of sagging in the roof, any signs of water damage to ceilings, soft areas around toilets or showers, etc. 

In the military we are taught to attack and attack until we can't anymore (there is not a "soft component").

I hope I will have a soft landing ;);)

Sites like SmartMove are easier since the applicant will verify online and it is a soft inquiry on their credit.  

Once you get a good idea of the number of units you can develop, you can estimate their potential sales revenue, back out hard and soft construction costs, back out an acceptable profit, and that will give you and estimate of the site's max value.

If so, I'd rather just pay the 10% and use my 10 "soft loans" for other properties.

Meaning if anything changes like credit score, late payment, home value, accidental credit issue like over credit card limit high balances, excessive trade lines the institution does a soft pull every month and can decrease or close the HELOC limit.Based on actual numbers most people end up consolidating the HELOC into their home down the road majority of the time.

There are some turnkey companies out their that write super soft leases to get people in to the units and then sell them off.

Yes on wear and tear, and the CS market is pretty soft right now.

I have 4 dogs myself so I have a soft spot when it comes to renting to people with dogs.