Putting the escrow funds at the title company, and keeping in touch with the seller are not as effective, but can help as well. 

While this won't effect me directly, I can see negative impacts in more densely populated areas.

@Scott Passman your going to have to make sure they know there not wasting there time.

I'm thinking here about the possible eviction (worst case) and the possible effect on my annual return.

The worst thing you can do is waste time on a property that is a longshot because in the process you may have a deal that makes more sense for you come and go while you are focused on the dud.

Ultimately there was ‘t a cheaper way to get out of it so I figured I’d just pay the $4800, I was on the hook for 3% either way because I signed something months ago and I didn’t realize what I was signing since the document was sent over with a brunch of other things that had to do with my offer I out in on a different house.

The value of the property has a direct effect on the amount of leverage that can be geared for that property to ensure a particular rate of return for investors. 

The net effect will be, you will get to deduct 1/2 of self employment tax and full health insurance expenses.

Many times seasoned developers know how to maximize the site or other nuances, that perhaps you are unaware of and so getting a full set of plans would be a waste of money. 

After inspections I was able to get a $3000 repair concession effectively paying my $200k initial offer!