To be blunt here, I think pushing for entry right now for something as menial as checking the expiration date on a smoke detector is pretty darn stupid.

Let me know what you think.As a matter of information, smoking is prohibited inside our rental units.If you decide that the apartment would meet your needs and wish to proceed with the application process, a “deposit to hold” binder equal to a month’s rent would need to be collected at that time.

Stalk them on social media, call employers, previous landlords (not current), follow up every lead, and zealously chase trails of smoke to see if there is fire.(2)  Insurance:  This is water under the bridge, but I'll bet the increase in premium you would suffer switching to a more expensive carrier for 24 months would be MUCH LESS than what you paid for the roof. 

Even when he was breaking even he was getting ahead.Out of all those properties the one that I grew up in was the worse one he owned.Now he is sitting up north in his cabin on the lake and he goes fishing or golfing everyday in the summer and sits out on the deck still smoking his cheap cigars and cheap beer.That is my inspiration and also shows me that when people try to put doubt into what you want to do you pay them no attention and keep moving forward.Also nothing wrong with dreaming but you also need some doing to get anywhere.Scott

You will have an issue with the smoke smell (we typically just spray all the studs with a Home Depot product).

I've planned to #1 quit smoking......did thatand start a r.e. investing company and have 3 properties by 09.......idea set and wheels turning

They tend to not like new leases or rules that you may want to implement or old rules that you want to start enforcing (smoking, pets, non-lease tenants, etc.).2.

., to make our deadline we had to hire painters to do walls, doors, and white cabinets; It cost $1500 for labor (i bought the paint) after we had already done the zinsser bin primer for smoke damage and painted all the trim.

The more "smoking gun" documents like a loan application the more risk you are taking that an auditor would not agree with your position that you did in fact have the intent to hold for rental/investment purposes. 

Not sure what you're looking for, i.e. how you intend to make money real estate investing, but deals are getting harder to come buy in this smoking hot market, so I understand your angst.Hang in there, and get rich slow!