Nonetheless, some people will invest in index funds feeling like it's safe while insisting that appreciation is speculation.

When you buy a Big Mac do you insist on knowing how much profit they are making?

@Shane Welch The law requires you to honor the previous owner's lease for the term of the lease unless the tenant agrees to sign a new lease or the tenant breaches the lease-- you cannot insist that they sign your lease just because you do not like the lease the previous owner used. 

I’m curious how others handle this, and if they rent but insist on evidence of renter’s insurance, etc.Curious to your feedback.Thanks in advance.Brent

Thousands I think.2)  Any Sellers Agent will show you any house any time also. 3) You don't necessarily save money on every transaction, I just would tell the seller I'm not using a Buyers Agent and insist they take the 3% savings off the price.BTW, I had a RE License briefly.

It's usually insisted upon by the lender.

If you insist on doing it I would require the current owner either get rid of the tenants or require the tenants to pay full market value rent.

If you let somebody slide once, it will happen again.I don't insist that tenants are non-smokers, because there's no way to control what they do outside, and they'll tell you they don't smoke if they think it will result in not getting the rental.

This gives me a considerable edge in my market because many landlords and property managers insist on an application prior to a unit showing.

When I bought it, I insisted on a positive cash flow day one and to know the break-even occupancy.