The land and location might dictate a better use.

That is something you really don't want, some idealists dictating the types and quality of materials that you MUST use in renovations, and delaying projects through an approvals process.Otherwise, as Ann Bellamy has already pointed out, lots of housing stock in large ares are older homes - so if you choose to invest in those regions you will be looking at these older homes.

The location of the property and unit mix with demand dictates future rental increases for the area.

Even people whose circumstances would normally dictate a reduced sale price are asking and getting withing a few percentage points of what stuff is selling for on MLS.

State law will dictate priority of said lien.  

When you rent an apartment you can't dictate that tenants take off their shoes or put down carpeting to cut down on noise. 

Well, it's already kind of too late, so we are looking for good deals or looking to buy land at a good price and build.You can rent out pretty much anywhere in JT, but the look of the house and the surrounding area will dictate the nightly rate.

You could try to negotiate the ability to choose those items, rather than the seller, but here, the seller chooses title and the title company will dictate the costs you see.

As you may or may not know FHA and Conventional mortgages have to abide by regulations that dictate what percentage of your income the mortgage can be. 

Local zoning and subdivision ordinances will dictate what can be done.