This is probably a really dumb question, but its been bugging me all the same:Why can't I tour the inside of a house that is for sale without a realtor?

You can also schedule tours to see a couple homes right off the website, which I tried to do once, but was not very beneficial to me.

The sign isn't supposed to be an invitation for a tour, but rather to create interest and give a phone number.

If nothing else, you will learn a lot simply from touring the property.

We submitted our application and wrote down there what we saw during the short tour: a few kitchen cabinets are broken, unit could use a new paint, and needs to be cleaned.

Tour some houses on the MLS that are in good shape but priced well due to the fact that they are dated.

When the success of your investment relies so heavily on the people managing it, finding people you trust to keep your best interests in focus should be your primary goal.Once you've narrowed your options, consider visiting the operation to look the provider in the eye, meet the team, tour the town and see the properties (and rehab quality) for yourself.

I may have found one that appears to be decent, but I have yet to tour the properties they have listed.

You will need to tour the units.Did you receive an actual rent roll?  

@Brian Ploszay When I last toured the property previous to purchase there was no odor, however I am currently out of the state, and haven't been by personally since.