There are stipulations like the time you have lived in the property, etc.

Although, as I stipulate, "someone's got to live there" and so it's not only the investor's appetite for risk but also the borrower's perspective on what is good.

Should I stipulate that I get to screen the certified technician?

In the contract stipulate one unit must be vacant upon closing?)

@Mary JayDoes your contract stipulate the seller has to allow buyer due diligence?

I don't know if anyone has ever shown up asking for that stipulation.

I have a pre-approval for a Lo-Doc, non-owner occupied loan up to $500,000, 25% down, 6.25 interest, 30 years -- and my loan stipulates whatever property(s) I choose, the 30 day market rents have to cover the total payment (including any HOA).  

It didn't matter that I read the whole line of BP books, watched hours of YouTube, talked with investors, etc. despite having that stipulation in your post.

Their agreements with their clients stipulate that they be paid for their efforts.

It can get messy when it comes to liability, the GC insurance can go after subs same stipulations based on contracts.