The style of room you are talking about is reminiscent of classic row house; railroad center room, windowless bathrooms (well, they mostly had windows, but it was really only for ventilation through the roof).If it is, depending on where the doors are sagging will tell you a lot about the condition of the bones of the house.

Use a realtor to gain access, or if you don't want to consistently depend on someone else, just pay for a MLS service for investors.

It all depends on if there are other hungry buyers.

Regardless, California landlords will have to be much more vigilant in their tenant vetting process, and not overly dependent on the paid screening services.

Much of it depends on how nice the neighborhood is.

I think you nailed it on the head already... differs from lender to lender for sure... my experience has been that it needs to be 12 months of rental income on your tax return so it would depend on what month you start renting it.

If I have a property under contract for $100k but the ARV is $175k, I may assign it to my investor for $120k depending on the condition of the property.

If it has to be replaced, you take it out when you have good access and there's nothing more than incremental charges.As far as powering their tools, that depends.

The discount also depends on area.  

Certainly depends on your state.... it appears difficult to wholesale here in Ohio for legal reasons that are beyond me so I suppose my perspective comes from that.