In NY, due-diligence title search has county and municipal searches which includes open permits, CoO and any outstanding county tax liens I think if you read the Conditions section of a title policy you'll find coverage is only for matters recorded in the public records which is probably defined in the Definition section of the policy as those records intended to impart construction knowledge to third parties. 

I would suggest better defining your goals, and then breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps with a deadline.

If the first applicant meets your criterion, a rental contract is presented and they have a defined amount of time to sign this contract and provide the money.

It is the best way to learn your market and define your criteria...and it is a much faster and immersive learning experience.

Defined my goal though.

Bill is thinking to himself.......is there a financing agreement as legally defined?

can someone please define yellow letters?

I recommend constructing  a matrix of points for each letter grade and define your own letter scale based on your opinion of factors that would constitute a B neighborhood.Simply think about the neighborhoods near you now, grade them as you understand your hyper local location, then simply apply the same parameters for the area you checking out and this should help you make a more informative decision.Hope that helps you push off.

Your future is only defined by your willingness and ability to achieve a goal. 

Like kind is defined by the use not type of property.