It depends on the location, the age & condition of the structure and it's components, weather there are liens on the land records, if there has been work performed without the required permits & inspection approvals, are there zoning or health department issues, are there open code enforcement cases where violations have been cited, are there fines running, and if you are will take responsibility for that type of a project.

This is all in costs (permits, everything, he does all the work, etc.).

Wasting all this time rescheduling seemed annoying but I thought we would come out with some money for our troubles.Speaking with the clerk's office, she told us they were keeping the deposit etc despite their website stating:" The Clerk will assess from the deposit, a non-refundable fee as permitted under Florida Statute 45.031, and a non-refundable registry fee as permitted under Florida Statute 28.24.

Like all of us I have a very fact specific situation happening that does not permit me to go full increase- so I am using the Ordinance to demonstrate a break given. 

.), I'm going to look into getting bandit signs to put up as long as my city permits it, Zillow is going to be my best friend I can already tell, and I will occasionally drive around looking for good properties that are in need of some maintenance upkeep.

However, the building needs to meet the International Residential Code, the energy code, and be permitted through the city (Planning, building, fire, Civil, etc.).

To clarify I am revising a lease from another source and it currently states 'no firearms are permitted' which I am changing, I was just curious on what others experience has been to be mindful about regarding it. 

You can Google stalk (sounds like you already did), search the property in the register of deeds for sketchy titles, see if they pulled permits (sounds like new construction prob wont work), check the mortgage info, and (best of all) hire a good inspector. 

Secondly, where serious efforts are required, tenants will not get permits and way down the road, you'll pay for that with inspection violations and delays in attempting to sell. 

(b) Conditional use conversion — authorized. (1) (i) In all districts except the R-2, R-4, R-5, and R-6, the Board may authorize, as a conditional use, the conversion of a building for use by more than 1 family, as long as the number of dwelling and efficiency units to be allowed conforms with the applicable principal-permitted-use bulk regulations for the district in which the building is located.