The SFH seems to be the most coveted possession now.

Presumably, the property would be offered for a tax sale between August 31st and December 31st of this year (which also has a 12 month right of redemption for the current owner, so even if I did win the property I could not take possession for a year). 

@Kyle Tipton, this is the model a lot of student housing takes. 

The police detective indicated they are in possession of one set of keys in their evidence locker and we noted the other set was on a table in the unit.

There is actually a very good business model out there if you can build rooms out in your current homes you rent to meet the criteria.

So when you speak to our overall business model it is important to understand that you are really only speaking about the new construction in two markets, MN & FL.

What's the best strategy to make sure the house is in the great condition when I take possession, i.e. how do I negotiate so that the seller/builder take care them all? 

You are deviating from your     business model. 

New to the site and very enthusiastic to learn from the wealth of knowledge each member possesses.

Look up the manual for your stove's model number, and it will probably have a "clearance required to noncombustible surface" section - see what that says about clearance behind the stove.