In a way, I'm attracted to the inner city as it is a really good cross cultural experience. 

Just cross out the parts of the new lease you don't agree with and sign and initial and date next to it.Have all tenants over 18 sign just like you did.In fact I would print name,sign name,initial and date for each area crossed out if you want to be ultra cautious.The landlord will have to agree,come back with a compromise,or get you out.They will have lost rent and reconditioning cost.So if you pay on time most likely they will not want to lose you over this.The fact that they overpaid for the house and are having a hard time covering the mortgage is NOT your problem as a tenant.You didn't hold their hand to the papers they signed at closing.Sounds like they put a bad tenant in and they trashed the place.You came along and the landlord barely had money to fix things.So see if they will keep the regular lease in place and don't get onto them too bad for too many more repairs.It sounds like they are headed to foreclosure or close to it as it is.no legal advice

You would think that might attract some sketchy people on such a platform, don't know if I could bear doing that.

I guess you can learn by losing money but that is counter to my approach to business.I was taught to always have "two or three witnesses" ( sources ) before I put any credence into an answer so I cross reference with other sources.

Red cross helped out tenant...tenant is very pissed had to move after just moved in...requesting more than deposit.

Landlords that fear having to manage their properties would simply cross their finger sand hope there are no more problems.

FCI Exchange can be a great resource for notes but at the end of the day they're just a platform that lists notes for sale. 

Fingers crossed.

There are some (good) reasons to get an inspection: a) If it's a condition of the contract, and you need to get out of the deal that requires this; b) if it's a quick fix and flip with not much work anticipated ("paint and carpet job") and you anticipate selling to an end user who is going to live in the property and their lender will most likely require an inspection to make the loan; c) you're a "belt and suspenders" kinda investor, who just likes to have all the "I"s dotted and "t"s crossed.

   :)By this time next month (fingers-crossed) I hope to bring more good news of my 1st purchase!!