The good news is maybe that in time all the hassles could be worth it...due to appreciation/gentrification and another reason to pick locations that have that ahead.

Best to figure that out ahead of time.You will want to weigh the pros and cons of an LLC versus a good insurance policy to lower your risks. 

We are going to go ahead and pay the fine, and have a talk with our CPA about possibly getting some/all of that money back. 

But if you feel you have too much money in stocks and want to diversify into real estate, plug your numbers into a tax return schedule e and see if you can come out ahead after depreciating your property.

If not, then go ahead and file an appeal.

You really do not want tenants that don't plan ahead more than 30 days anyway, they tend to be problems.

The fact that you have the clarity that you do puts you ahead of most of the “investors” out there...good luck 

I did go ahead and hire a professional and will receive a report this week. 

Some standing water is invisible you know...All that complaining aside, If mold detecting is cheap $250 or less I would just go ahead and get it checked out. 

Some reforms and a little more budget there could do a lot more for the people at the bottom of the economic ladder I suspect.That said,   I should also ask this question:   If somebody can't come up with say 2 months rent worth of move in costs (the first month and an equal deposit lets say) up front, but can pay it over 3 equal installments,   why could they not save those funds ahead of time?