Based on my actual experience searching and examining title, underwriting transactions and investigation and resolving title claims for a living, I can tell you I can probably find a defect somewhere in just about every chain of title.A letter of indemnification (LOI) is used between underwriters when a subsequent search and exam finds a defect that went undetected by the prior search and exam. 

Not to mention if you do it wrong - you die, literally or at least burn your house down and when it's investigated (and it will be) and your insurance company finds evidence of arson (and they will) you're not only going to get your claim denied, you will be liable for the damage you did to the tenants contents and endangering their lives.

Moving forward, I think the only way to pick-up rentals in my part of Washington State is to find off-market properties that need some help.I am a high earner so a 1-2 year loss isn't going to cause stress while I investigate a strategy pivot vs. selling.

I ended up investigating elsewhere.

Is anyone out there working on investigating this?

Investigate real estate investing through books and internet resources.

I'm investigating if I qualify as a RE Professional for the IRS.  

That's your job to investigate.

If you see repeat repair requests (e.g. sewer line keeps clogging) then maybe you need to work with your PM to investigate the cause and find a permanent fix (e.g. replacing the sewer line).There are just too many variables for us to give you a specific answer.

I ask because I keep a comparison chart of real estate crowdfunding investments, and I’m constantly on the lookout for new and innovative platforms that I haven’t investigated yet.