Madison is generally higher priced than Milwaukee, but the almost bigger issue is landlord-tenant law in Madison (Dane County) is getting out of control.

I know a guy that needs to sell and he can't sell it by traditional means do to issues with the property.

I am not sure of the laws for NYC, but that may not even be a legal option depending on their restrictions. 

I've also written/helped write several various legal documents for the IRS/courts. 

Is it legal for syndicates to solicit for investors on FB?

Can I include something in the Rental Agreement where they would sign, acknowledging the stair issue and that we are not liable? 

This is so important to avoiding massive issues when you ultimately begin sitework.

Here is a link that describes that issue in part. https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/fha-identity-of-interes...If this is meant to be your primary residence, why not deed the lot over to into your name and do everything in your own name?

Here is the issue below. 

There are some extended form policies that might cover a future forged deed, but they cost extra and since title fraud (not theft since you can't lose title based on a forged deed) is uncommon, they're not issued frequently.