Do the people you know in your life who are successful wake up early (say before 6 AM or earlier) or do they wake up later?

On a more micro level, there ARE certain streets and neighborhoods I wont invest in at this time, but have been building relationships with local property owners to try and change that. 

Agreed, but I did expect a more even percentage between the two.

I would just say you chose a more qualified applicant.

The phrase “absentee owners” is reserved for those that covet a more hands off ownership strategy.It is worth noting, however, that, not every homeowner has the luxury of removing themselves from a house without it representing some sort of burden.

You might cast a more critical eye on the wiring in the basement that was done after the house was finished.  

no response yet...is there a more relevant forum in which I should post?

Obviously that's an extreme example, but that tells me there is a more methodical way to do this.This year we did our biggest project yet, 12 townhouses.

Or, they let the property go, a new buyer steps in, goes through the process and gets a different appraiser who hopefully has more experience and can give a more accurate assessment of value.  

@Kumar Gaurav that is my guess, but I am hoping that a more basic understanding that the lower part of the building is an actual unit will be enough for the City.