any unique requirements on insurance?

@John D.I am in a similar situation in terms of needing something unique because my risk profile is a lot less and having trouble finding it though your situation is much better.First I would listen to @Jay Hinrichs no one on here has more HML experience as far as I know.  

There is no objective measure of sponsorship quality, but you would be surprised how many sponsors could be flagged by a simple Google search.  

@Mike CatalfamoThe physical opening of those bedroom windows is large enough if you were to replace the slider with a tilt-n-turn or casement window {tilt-n-turn is better as it opens inward and is less likely to be obstructed by snow, leaves or other objects}.The 44" in a basement can be a challenge.  

It is necessary to check the Registrar of deeds in order to verify the actual ownership of the estate object of sale, to check the registrations (servitudes, burdens, etc.) and to assess the existence of mortgages or other encumbrances (cautionary attachments, etc.).

Obviously, nothing unique to Roanoke.

As far as what distinguishes a good block depends on your objective.

We want to create a situation where money is no object so we can move around freely.  

(yeah, think 50% drop in rents on your cash flow statement)5) not worry about losing all your money and going into foreclosure and starting over (hell, its only time and money)Having said all that, I am constantly circling around to this: San Francisco in specific, NOT the bay area, is so unique and so politically and geographically constrained that if you live here, you would be foolish to not focus a HUGE amount of your REI time and energy looking right here.

The objective would be to connect with the local agents and see which companies they work for and how they like the environment and people there, etc.