It would never occur to me to count properties under contract towards my goal.

It seems to me this is a common occurance...  

My understanding of ground is that if a fault occurs in a metal object like say those old clunky drills the electricity will use the third copper wire, which must be grounded to something like the water entrance pipe, instead of shocking the person holding the metal tool.I just do not see how grounding or lack of grounding would cause a TV to burn out.

The longer the drainage problem continues unresolved, the more likely property damage will occur.  

That is probably what the squatter is attempting to do.I've actually tracked deals in Chino Hills, which not common, however vacant abandoned properties occur everywhere; even in upscale canyon area where I live.

I know about the potential terror tenants who destroy the property, but that can occur anywhere right?

You could end up with rental property by accident when someone fails to redeem.I can recommend that you get everything you can from the podcasts and forums.

We take full responsibility for the schedule and do the best we can, but delays do occur. 

As you are doing, get roofers out to give you an estimates so you know what is occurring and what is NOT occurring. 

Since you have already talked to your landlord and since this is not a one time occurance, if I were you, I would contact a tenant advocate in your area to help you resolve this.