If there are other options out there, most people struggle to look past it and will choose something done already....I prefer to have at minimum all the big ticket items done....paint, flooring, cabinets, appliances etc...... not having baseboard or switch covers or smaller stuff is not a big deal.....

No "pattern" of trouble with the law.  3 or more misdemenaors (except traffic tickets) in 5 years or less is NO GO. 

So if I notice anything that could turn into a big-ticket item, I can send several contractors out to give me bids.

If the police write them a ticket or there are police reports, then I could use that in an eviction effort. 

Long story, so I got a speeding ticket and it had gotten deferred so I had a program where as long as I paid my fines and did my community service and took a driving class it would be deferred and not on my record.

(big ticket- roof) I see your from cali, prob hard to believe we can purchase triplexes out here for that price. 

The other unit keeps popping open when we least expect it and already have a big ticket improvement or renovation going on elsewhere.

Your job is to not let them prioritize cigarettes or lottery tickets or pedicures or whatever over paying you.Next time, you won't let anyone slide. 

That's why I don't really like your court analogy -- I'm fully aware that the real estate agent does not represent me, I would say it's much more similar to representing yourself in court on a traffic ticket where you've already looked up the relevant laws.

It sounds like they have no claim so it is just a ticket to view the process.