Then, you want to make sure the home is clean, safe, and guest ready.

However, “substantially remodel” has a specific meaning, which is the replacement or substantial modification of any structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical system that requires a permit, or the abatement of hazardous material, including lead, mold or asbestos that cannot be reasonably accomplished in a safe manner with the tenant in the unit and that requires the tenant to vacate for more than thirty days.

The area is a very nice and safe gated community.

I was giving my friend a sweetheart of a deal, but I was just happy knowing my property was safe with someone I trusted.  

(but it is our only paid-off home, our "safe place") Just wondering what someone with a bit more experience in builds would do. 

Direct beach access with a streetlight for safe crossing.

As you learn more, you will undoubtedly have questions about advanced techniques and people will gladly help you, but spend some time on your own research first.

I say they need to absorb this risk and expense, and take steps to prevent: listen and report for leaks, and to be extra safe, before heading out for vacation, by closing the ball valve behind the toilet.  

(A) A landlord who is a party to a rental agreement shall do all of the following:(1) Comply with the requirements of all applicable building, housing, health, and safety codes that materially affect health and safety;(2) Make all repairs and do whatever is reasonably necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition;(3) Keep all common areas of the premises in a safe and sanitary condition;(4) Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning fixtures and appliances, and elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord;(5) When the landlord is a party to any rental agreements that cover four or more dwelling units in the same structure, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of a dwelling unit, and arrange for their removal;(6) Supply running water, reasonable amounts of hot water, and reasonable heat at all times, except where the building that includes the dwelling unit is not required by law to be equipped for that purpose, or the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant and supplied by a direct public utility connection;(7) Not abuse the right of access conferred by division (B) of section 5321.05 of the Revised Code;(8) Except in the case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, give the tenant reasonable notice of the landlord's intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times.

Yes, Tessa, you absolutely need to have a Title Co do the closing.It is possible the seller may be in violation of the new Dodd-Frank, and SAFE Act Laws, but it is not necessarily "Likely", There's a pretty large safe haven if they're an owner/occupant, and depending on the state, a number of transactions per year may be exempt (You didn't mention the potential problems with the balloon payment if the buyer is also the occupant)As with any investment, Due Diligence is required.