I am nearly over the finish line and this semester I am working on my final capstone, a 50 page report and presentation that will get me to graduation.

You of course want your own inspection, and an insurance co. will require a wind mitigation report, and if more than 30 years old, a 4 point inspection (get them done at the same time, by the home inspector).

If nothing else, you should be entitled to a copy of the credit report with written explanation as to why you were rejected.good luck

All reporting to FinCen will be done using IRS Form 8300. 

Make sure they understand the unit must be maintained and all your concerns addressed from this point forward.Also, require them to report all maintenance needs in writing to you within 24 hours from which they are aware of the problem.   

I don't have a mortgage in the states, and have a very good credit report/score.Any advice would be great!

My firm also works with real estate professionals on their financial reporting, and if you ever had any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out, thank you!

Housing court; inspectors, that's their job to report you, give you a housing code violation.

Unless either of you want to break the current lease based on his orders, then it should be binding with a notorized addemdum allowing you to check up on the rental monthly for all the reasons provided already as well as an emergency contact just in case you do need to report something of interest during one of your inspections. 

@Mitch BernsteinBefore hiring a Home inspector ask to see a current sample of there inspection report, Also obtain a copy of the contract (in full) you most likely will sign before the inspection paying close attention to there limits of liability and scope of inspection.