The only time I typically see permits checked during a closing is by the title company when they run a lien search, and that's just to confirm there are no open permits that have not been closed out by a final inspection.Also, many interior renovations do not even require a permit (plumbing, electrical, windows, and structural changes certainly do, but not cosmetic stuff such as flooring, cabinets, countertops, painting, light fixtures, etc).My point being, refinancing may be a viable option (it sounds like you were already thinking along those lines).

I'm an Architect with experience in residenital/commercial design and development.

And, since you're marketing to probates, you can design a specific home seller's guide for probates.This will get prospects to respond to you and request their guide. 

You can request bills and tenant ledgers to confirm that the numbers the seller are giving to you are correct.

This is designed for CA to not lose track of your deferred gain so that if you ever recognize the gain they can get the associated tax from the time you owned there.  

Just food for thought, but Ill let the Pros confirm or deny :-)Dan Dietz

+1 on obtaining the CCIM designation.

I was thinking that I would like to find someone locally who is further down the path on real estate investing than I am who needs my graphic design/publicity/web/networking skills/property management and etc. so that I can watch deals from conception to implementation.

It is a great rehab and you appear to have a great designer or design team.

That's basically what I'm asking, I'm trying to learn the areas, so I came up with those A, B and C designations based on my discussions with the local investors I've met.