Got approval, but then the appraiser told them a fence permit was still outstanding (he was wrong) and they got cold feet saying that I could be vulnerable to mechanics liens and/or my taxes could go up do to additional improvements I could do with an open permit/inspection.  

. $48k a door isn't bad if it the mechanicals weren't in such bad shape.

I am anxious to get Real Estate Investment at the forefront of my career; I am currently an engineer with a Mechanical Engineering background, but I am ready for a career change out of the corporate world. 

Your example is about the mechanics of doing the investment, not the overall strategy. 

As stated above we also do major renovations before leasing units to try and get all the mechanicals dialed in. 

I also HATE paying the mechanics shop to do anything on my vehicle, and there is auto stores.

Right now I'm fixing the valve seats in a 2 handle shower faucet, mechanic.

Have you had an inspection or gave it a close look.As a newbie just try to make sure the mechanicals are not old as dirt. 

I have found contradicting answers to this question:In Illinois, do mechanics liens stay with a house after a foreclosure sale?

But you should ask about the age of the roof, mechanicals, any major improvements that have been done.