I reviewed the SB9 legislation, and it states that properties occupied by a tenant in the last 3 years are excluded from SB9 but only if the project includes demolition or altering more than 25% of the exterior structural wall.

California's SB 721, known as the Balcony Inspection Law, requires multifamily property owners to inspect exterior elevated elements (EEEs) like balconies and decks.

I found a house that I like to purchase in a great neighborhood and the exterior looks great for a 1922 stick built house.

This is purely anecdotal, but I've noticed that the top performing properties in my area lead with an exterior shot.

BPOs are typically exterior only and agents usually earn $30 - 50 to complete them, so use them as a reference but not the deciding factor.                                                                                                                                                                     

Usually, they take care of exterior maintenance and upkeep plus you have amenities that you can advertise to your tenants.

You will need a new roof and new siding for the exterior. 

For example, part of the exterior of the house wasn't stained.

Also, note that it is hard to accurately judge an area from afar based on exterior physical characteristics.

Most inspections are exterior only so insurance is going off of insured/agent application and any visual cues such as an outdated electrical meter.Also, while it's been difficult to insure these things for many years now it's gotten tighter over the last 5 years in this hard market.