Nobody is living in the unit, the city came out to inspect the unit, nobody was there to let them in (it failed because of this).

One approach we've taken is implementing a move-in and move-out inspection (with photos) to limit wear and tear.

I am an actual owner with 100+ units in the city of Cleveland and the cities around it and put together a rolodex of references for services like property management, inspections, contractors etc. if you want it. 

My son did this for his first home and, other than paying for some lender fees and his home inspection up front, he only paid $11 at closing.

I typically build in an inspection contingency into my offers (yes this reduces my competitiveness of my offers, but its also a safety net to protect my bottom line).

You submit a letter of intent to get the property, do inspections first in New York after your offer is accepted, and after inspections are resolved, your attorney then writes the contract.

Additionally, ask for copies of all tenant leases, any recent inspection reports, and records of capital improvements, such as repairs or renovations.

HUD is changing its inspection criteria from Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to National Standards of Inspections and Real Estate (NSPIRE).

Why are you using rules of thumb and not using the results of the thorough inspection by a great inspector that you are surely using and would be an idiot not to base your numbers on? 

Schedule inspections at key stages, and involve your property manager early for rental insights.