One officer suggested a petition with signatures of other residents that share the same concern, but I am unsure of how many signatures would even be required. 

Because appraisals are arrived at by formula vs. form.

How are you arriving at those cash flow amounts?  

Upon their arrival, they notice that there was some frame work that was done up there and they call the building inspector.

While I am trying to maintain my full time job and begin a lucrative investing career, I am pondering buying a new property to rent out once I arrive.

let the tenant to petition the court and make you do it ( as long as they qualify alone ) .

Rent is expensive, so maybe line up a roommate situation prior to arriving. 

The risk is that the cleaner arrives and the water is off, now I am looking at at least another 2 or 3 days of vacancy to reschedule. 

This will include property taxes paid, interest and penalties.The purchaser will be served with a petition notice of redemption and must answer it within 30 days.There will be a hearing and the judge will determine the amount necessary for the redemption.Redemptions don't happen very often.

I would have 3 realtors pull comparables and if I had a relationship with an appraiser in that area, I would petition their advice.