Seems redundant, but it ensures you will have an active permit during the buy process. 

Advise them they don't need to worry about cleaning, but do need to ensure all personal property and rubbish has been removed before turning over the keys.

You don't mention if you have carpet or not, if you do then spend a bit more on the carpet cleaning to ensure it isn't holding the smell.

I know ensure I calculate paying myself full market rate as the agent, contractor, bank, and investor. 

Another great thing is to attend different networking events so you can meet different players in the real estate space as well as other investors. 

Sounds like if I were to go ahead and invest in a larger multi-unit I need to prioritize setting up a solid team and ensuring I have plenty of reserves before engaging.

Ask the locals their favorite geographic locations to invest, who the players in the area are, recommendations for PM's/Contractors/Realtors/Lenders/etcWhat is drawing you to these markets?

Only thing is his client base is full of big players so his time is limited for smaller investors.

Ensure you have a stable financial foundation to invest from.I also disagree with the current "wisdom" of cashing out equity in your primary home to start investing.

Also, maybe important players such as the architect, contractor, and others should be investors in the project, believers in the vision and they’ll have skin in the game so the product will be made well.2.