I'd say everything else is the consequence of the 2 points above - the weather and the state of economic affairs influences everything else, including safety, infrastructure, the condition of housing stock, etc.

They focus on safety issues, such as wood rot, water damage, and structural integrity of balconies and decks.

From what i understand, the space heaters are a big fire hazzard. does your insurance allow them?

Which they do, in case you’re wondering.Take this as a lesson and make sure to get their social security numbers from now on – before they start any work!

Lesson learned: Always think of a Plan B in case renting isn’t an option anymore.

Lesson: Keep a nice house and inspect before the inspector.Inspections then occur annually and you don't get paid if your property fails until you pass again. 

Since I was only filing on major things like underground utilities, fires, etc.

(Side note:  I'm not happy that I know any of this...hard earned lessons of real estate investing). 

Saika  While a permit is a hassle, what happens if there was a fire, it burned down, someone got killed and the fire department was not even aware the unpermitted structure existed.

@John Matthew Johnston 80% of the time, it's a thankless job:(You're never fast enough for complaining tenants, nor fast enough or cheap enough for owners.To have any chance of success, you have to be extremely organized, or every day starts with your hair on fire!