Of course, if you're going to hire a professional to inspect the property, then yes - you'd have to pay for that. 

I compiled all paperwork in the case and hired a property lawyer to take the case to court and receive a judgement against the tenants.

If you are just the kind of person who has a bleeding heart (there is nothing wrong with this) then consider hiring someone to rent the units for you. 

Hire a GC or bring in a partner with more experience.

Account Closed prior to it being highly suspect and illegal here on the West coast IE equity skimming laws I did quite a bit of pre foreclosure rent back work... the deals were almost always made the day before the sale... and it was a mad scramble to get a cashiers check to the trustee.. we would hire couriers to hand deliver.. those in denial waited until they just could not deny anymore.. if we got one two days before that was a luxury. 

Flat out, these guys always do quality work and we are pumped that the numbers worked on this one where we could hire them to do a majority of the work.

You could always hire a pool guy at their expense as well (raise the rent $50 or whatever the pool guy costs) so that they can still use it and you have assurance that it is being well taken care of.

Not sure about the the answer to your first question, but I would 100% hire an attorney to draft that promissory note instead of using a cookie cutter template that might not cover all your bases.

Interview them like you are hiring them, not like they are hiring you.  

Did you directly have access to MLS or hired an agent?