they do a lot of submetering for water, power, and gas

I forgot to mention, the reason conversions are pricey is that often, you also have to change the ducts and more than likely buy a new furnace as well to handle the extra power from refrigerated air systems.

Neither of these things are bad if your borrowing power is strong.  

Often we work on a generator power with propane heaters until we pass rough inspections and get the pressure test, and the cut in card for electric completed and can have the utility company come out.

the power of real estate is through proper use of leverage, and appreciation forced or otherwise.you buy it with another persons money (The banks) and pay it back with another persons money (the tenant's)  The CF thing is misleading. 

Dee Powers Not sure, it could be around a specific safety hazard that was found during the inspection.

@Bernard Chouinard I am in the exact same boat!

It is not recorded.The mortgage/deed of trust is recorded and puts all on notice there is a lien on the property with power of sale.Whether it's a 1st mortgage or 2nd mortgage (for the most part) depends on the timing.  

Ok so how I got started was by doing a boat load of Google searches about an easy way to get into real estate.

This has all came about with 1 part strategy/hard work, 1 part pure luck , 1 part blessings from a higher power.