Also check with city/code to see what kinda fines or fees are on it.

You can have all of the benefits of Trevor's viewpoint without assuming all of the risk.An LLC is litigation protection from suits not covered by insurance (any alleged intentional fraud, gross negligence, health code violation, etc.)You want an LLC to hold the assets separate from yourself or the operations of the company.

A deck properly constructed is tied into the house, needs a permit, and  should be according to code. 

Put a code on front door and tenants can leave keys behind with easy access to other tenants.

It is also good practice to talk with a RE atty so as to stay out of any grey areas, but thank you for that code of law.Be kind and smile!

Is the property for you and your family or is it strictly for investment purposes?

I just had a question about how to go about getting tax delinquent leads and code violation leads from the courthouse.  

Don't be afraid to as for the proof or code references that back up the opinions given.   

If you have little in the bank to pay for a vacant unit,accept their offer with strict terms to be followed.First,if they want you to hold the unit for them till March 20th,they need to pay the mortgage payment (P.I.T.I.) at the bare minimum because banks aren't interested in their timeline whatsoever and neither are you,quite frankly.If they balk at that reality,tell them to hit the bricks cause you have a business to run.If they want it,they pay it.When they finally move in it's full rent and deposits till they give notice and vacate.A week isn't a long time and you really need experienced help from a realtor who specializes in rentals and has an long track record of success.You could get a better tenant if you wait but if you don't have the cash to wait,take what you can get.

I have been bidding on real estate auction for years and done well, here are some suggestions that may help you:Here are some things to consider when attending an auction - helpful hints.Preview properties with an auction associate if possible.Make a pre-auction offer(to avoid the competition).Ask for known details (zoning, tenancy, existing financing, code violations, taxes, comparable sale info/comps, will seller finance?)