A solid local realtor will be able to fill in some of the blanks too, some of these items may vary neighbourhood to neighbourhood, even in the same region (flood zone vs none, good public drainage vs poor, etc).

The only silver lining is that with less home maintenance yo attend to his health is improving - he's 53.

Credit history is not public information.

Since most of my tenants are long term (over 5 years, some over 10 and two over 20) I will not hesitate to reno when needed instead of waiting for a vacancy, especially when there is a structural need or health risk at hand.Here is the previous thread on this topic.http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/118940-anyone-renovate-while-unit-is-occupied

I might go at like this:Labor48 = 8 units to be plastered at 6 workdays each + materials60 = 6 units needs some framing x 10 workdays each18 = Plumber days18 = Electrician days36 = Handyman daysX 2 cause I don't know what I'm talking about------------360 days x $240 = 86,400Materials/Packed work180k = 18 Ikea kitchens with appliances installed :-)$36k = 18 bathrooms installed$18k = 18 units painted$43k = $10/ft x 4300$18k = $1k per unit Fixtures Lights and Plumbing----------------$295kContingency of 20%-------------$440,000 TOTAL not including permits, health insurance, chocolate, and beer

There are rights to work, conduct business, reasonable market areas, professional information and public knowledge issues to address and without any attorney my bet is that you don't have what you may think you do.

uDirect is also one of the few custodians that will work with Health Savings accounts.

You might look up the owner in the public record and contact them directly.

I'd suggest you go local and not deal in national investing strategies starting off, doing so means you won't be in the driver's seat but relying on others in management, valuation, financing and general operations.Have no idea of your skills. not just RE knowledge or experience but your social skills, ability to deal with the public and others.

Then again, this is free service you are providing to the public.