This is why I'm establishing a maintenance schedule system now to help prevent this from happening again, as in the end, it was my fault.

Nice area only one vacant of ~60 1/1 unitsmarket rent $850-$925$880 firmFees-->Repairs--->Rentpostlets,padlets,CL ad (photos, building, but specific unit#)screen over phonearrange a group showing for prospective tenantssmartmove.com ($25 app fee(Cash), $15 per additional adult)call 2 previous landlords and employersi must be notified before any service callno unauthorized work(no work for rent)clogged plumbing will be tenants' costinitially month/month least----------> 1st/last/ securitypayment by ach or deposit to bankdue 1st, late afterwards1 day grace$50 late fee after 2nd business day....$5 each day afterno pets/smokingmonthly inspectionmove-in report signedholding deposit prorated if longer than a week....carried over to deposit if lease signedrent history(no evictions, foreclosure on case-by-case)gross income 3x minimumwaterbed----> renter's insurance with me listed for payoutnot fish tanks or containers exceeding 5Galupon vacating: security deposit will be subject to move-out report and pending utilitiesthis will be a trial period, after tenant has a good track record with me then I will commit to a 1yr lease with all adults on lease jointly and severally(no more than 2)Let me know if i have missed anything, and I appreciate all who have taken the time to read this!

No representations can be made on how any court in any state or federal, will interpret the regulations or apply them, and that said interpretation or application will be different from this analysis of the law.Therefore, there is no guarantee that relying on this analysis will prevent governmental or civil actions against the lender/seller.

I would probably do the chimney liner and cap to prevent water from getting into places it shouldn't which could lead to more damage. 

It prevents problems down the road and helps you avoid fair housing issues.

I simply take over the deed/note, start making payments on behalf of the seller and have conditions/exit strategies in place just in case the due on sales clause (DOS) clause is exercised to prevent the original seller from facing a financial crisis if it defaults.

If your nerves are preventing you from doing the flip, perhaps you should consider a mentor or partner for this deal? 

@Steven Fowler, I bet your evaporator coil was clog with dust and if they have any pets with pet hair.

It prevents an expensive mistake!

Clear expectations is the way to go, and prevents ton of future issues.