The inspections alone cost me $1,300, but that upfront investment saved me tens of thousands of dollars and spared me countless headaches.In short, buying older homes requires more diligence and negotiation, but when done right, it can be incredibly rewarding.

If it's during office hours, they can pick up a spare key for no charge.

Agreed mate,I'm all about taking personal responsibility and I have been swindled many times in a similar fashion like many feel on this thread.It seems like these investors including myself in other instances get negligent and don't read between the lines.Especially after trust and a relationship have been established, we become gullible and don't second guess or question.Maybe it's greed for some but in my instance it wasn't.Just innocent and trusting stupidity (No, I'm never a victim as that is ******** mentality in my book).I had some spare $$$ and wanted to diversify in other assets through folks I considered friends and trustworthy business partners.Didn't even think twice to look things over.Looking back, it all makes sense now but it's easy being a general after the battle heheI only blame myself here...I mentioned in the thread further above that I lost to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.Again, it is what it is and it's a lesson.Only myself to blame and have always taken the high road in such instances.As much as I'd like to fight for justice and go down the legal path, it just isn't worth the time and emotion.Upwards and onwards.Become better and make more than you have lost.Each to their own and that's just my personal "modus operandi"

Tenants don't have spare money sitting around, why would you think suing would do anything but cost you money and time?

I also invest spare cash in SPY its not going to 0 and gives a decent long term return.

I know you won't, nobody ever does, they run away from accountability but I will ask anyways, please update the world to the flaming dung-pile it all plays out to be so the next people get spared the journey. 

I am a busy professional so I have limited spare time.

And buying sight unseen has advantages too, aside from the time and expenses spared.

If they won't, and you really do expect trouble, it would be worth it to pay some off duty cop to escort you, or if you don't want to spare that kind of money, a local bouncer.

Compact and super fun when needed.