ThanksAs to the CCIM, I agree with you, RE certifications are for those who majored in history or english, maybe music, LOL, finance, accounting, business law, economics and marketing concepts give more than enough on the business side, construction, development and palnning on the RE side, add a dash of compliance with applicable laws and you pretty well got it covered, IMO!

Maybe an industry recognized certification? 

@Carlos EnriquezWhile a duplex is not really a multi-family/multi-unit property (it considered to be a conjoined wall residential properties).Regardless, this situation is precisely why one should collect estoppel certificates from all tenants and suppliers when purchasing a rental property.  

I mean, is there a doggy death certificate out there?

Also be prepared to pay for the Certificate of Occupancy and any repairs required to get that CO.Try to get your finances all lined prior to the offer.

@Mike E. if I were in your place I would be very proactive in trying to see if you can protest the flood plain certification with maybe an elevation report.

Do they even do certificates of occupancy.  

So I went to the county recorder's office, obtained the death certificate, and found out that in deed the tenant died in the unit in February 2015, 11 months prior to COE.

The father has the death certificate.

You get a certificate of purchase in exchange for your money.You get a public trustees deed 17 business days later, assuming none of the junior liens redeem.