.- Most cities do NOT care if an owner lives in basement, but will not allow a tenant to unless baement has legal egress window.3) Check local statutes if any limitations on how many unrelated roommates are allowed.4) Check with local building dept to see if rental inspections and corresponding requirements.5) Local statutes allow locks on bedroom doors?

He is really open to giving advice and would even help with inspecting properties we find. 

Garland has rental inspections. 

He's very thorough with this standard inspections and he also offers "investor due diligence" inspections at a reduced rate.

Cleaning should have been conducted and inspected upon completion.

To mitigate risks, I strongly encourage getting a home inspection to fully understand what you're buying.If the property checks out, this area can be a great addition to your portfolio.

What type of property are looking to inspect (residential, commercial, distressed, etc.) and what is the intended use of the property?

They're spending tax-payer money, so they'll cut a check without batting an eye.Document condition before and after with photos, inspect regularly, and you should be fine.

If you buy with a tenant in place, you save yourself the hassle of paperwork and inspections upfront, but you miss the chance to screen the tenant yourself—which can be risky.

How do you know what you're buying without the ability to see the inside let alone conduct inspections?