So I went to my mentor and got general rule of thumbs (i.e. year built should be within same decade and should be on the same side of town) .Also, my meetings were running too long which was taking time from my team's productivity.

I was told by our local HUD representative that we would have to fill out a HUD form 2530 and go through the Transfer of Physical Assets process to complete the purchase of this property, even though we are not going to purchase this property with a HUD backed loan.  

I have done entire home renovations with just products purchased from Lowes... never had an issue.

We are already seeing Portland landlords take their rentals out of production and sell the SFRs there has been such a huge run up in values and there is SUCH a HUGE shortage of SFRs available it makes no sense to keep them as rentals.. there by reducing the housing stock even more. 

You still want someone local to have a physical key in case of emergency to get in. 

But they cannot do it since I cannot be physically present.

I don't plan on seeing the property physically.

He also advised the finance and mortgage brokers products are always changing and recommended a couple that he highly respects.Anyways, I'm really wanting to learn the best practices, for analyzing. 

Having the lot numbers and easement displayed incorrectly on the final work product is of little value to me. 

I have found a product called "5 inch lineal" that would seem to be a great option for trimming out the exterior of new windows.