By comparing what you can observe about the condition of many elements, with what the planned schedule is for that element, you can get an idea of what is having maintenance deferred, and what is being well maintained.There should also be calculations that show the percentage of funding they are planning, which should be well above 65% to ensure no unexpected maintenance fee increases or special assessments.

Do a Google search for "tenant application screening" and you'll get dozens of options.

This way, I can assess the cost based on the price per square feet and then use these calculations going forward. 

I know there are holes in my assessment and I promise experience will fill them in but for now bare with me. haha

Check the assessment records to see who is the owner, most of the time you will find that it is still in the name of the owner who abandoned the property, even if the bank secured the property and put their signs on the property.If that is the case and it has not been through the sheriff sale or trustee sale, then you probably don't want it because the over leveraged mortgage is still in place.

In normal times, if I get more than a dozen hits the 1st day of listing I think I'm at market or below.

@Lumi Ispas Thank you, you assessed the situation correctly.

I need to learn to assess a sale and negotiate a commercial lease, as the owner/lessor. 

You'll likely meet a dozen or so locals who own 2-4s in the area. 

find a lender, find an agent, visit dozens of properties, go to REIA meetings, network with everyone, get on lists.