I cut a 6 feet wide opening that leads into the kitchen.What say you folks?

Nothing unusual about that @Jo-Ann Lapin .In CA, there are generally five documents you should provide to close out a loan, Jeff.Payoff DemandThis document simply lists all amounts owed the lender to satisfy the loan.

Hire third party inspectors just google for them  every big market has them  they are the same guys the banks hire the HML hire etc.. when done then hire a home inspector for   a full report to make sure your contractor did not cut corners. and everything is to code..

It is simply something that isn't covered.

Wait until the sale or try and cut a deal with the owner ahead of time? 

So RUBS will not cut down total consumption IMHO.With RUBS, allocation is based more or less on square footage.

I would inspect my properties in the early months of the lease but generally I didn't need to once I had a good handle on the amount of care they were taking.What cut way down on my turnover cost was requiring a minimum of a two year lease.

I would simply add a second, or third, or fourth mortgage on a property as my commission.

My question: do I send a general letter simply stating that I'm interested in purchasing the property & request that he call, or do I mention the tax delinquency & let him know that I'd like to help him solve this problem.

By no means should you scrimp and cut corners, but maybe granite countertops and hardwood floors dont fit with the price range you can get at your location.Personally, I dont like dealing with people all that much so I use property management companies to interface with the tenants.