Typically the title search goes back 60 years, here by tradition, so often times events from more than 60 years ago are not even reviewed before issuance of the title policy.Recently I had a case where there was a discrepancy arising from a 1939 Sheriff Sale. 

Angie's list or checkbook are great resources for finding contractors and reviews.

Hello, I'm currently in the process of reviewing an off market deal that consists of 3 Multi-unit buildings in NE Washington, DC.

Hey Rick,I was online looking up reviews on SSU and I found your post....I am a huge fan of BP and I use the podcasts as a learning tool all the time.I am curious as to what you decided to do since your post?

I have a good conventional renovation lender if you need a referral, As the buyer you have to qualify for the loan like any conventional loan then submit repair estimate and a subject to appraisal for project review. 

@J Scotthas a published book on estimating rehab costs that I've heard very positive reviews on might want to check that outBut to answer your question yeah you will want to get the house under contract otherwise you'll be wasting everyone's time.  

Hopefully there are other investors in the philadelphia and surrounding areas with success, who also were being given negative reviews of their investment strategies in the beginning.

So you might be well-served to have a business accountant review their books, and if they are unwilling to reveal, go elsewhere. 

We now take this timing into consideration with any project that would potentially go into plan review for something like a second story addition.

The reason is not that there are no tenants looking, but rather: A new building is an unknown to tenants, so there are no reviews online and the amenities are a question mark; andDuring interim occupancy, which is when most investors put their units up for lease, the common areas are not yet finished, and construction activities are still taking place in the building; andThere is usually a flood of units hitting the market for rent in a new building, so anyone who choose some nicer upgrades or colours, or who has a better layout, will lease first. 6 - Transportation Anyone noticed that with each year that goes by, it takes a little longer to get around the City?