These issues are not a safety or health concern, so it's not required by law to be rectified in a week, correct?

@Jason DiClemente Prinarily it would be for peace of mind to reduce any safety issues with Natural Gas/CO.

I’d have to see the porch to know if it’s a safety issue, but if it is then do it. 

I want to get a good deal, but my highest priority is my personal safety.

I guess it is one of those things where I will have to be patient and learn the area and comp prices well enough to be confident when the right property comes up. 

Lastly, be patient. 

I've found the single most important element to your safety is for borrower to have skin in the game. 

Sometimes banks are willing to do habitable/safety repairs so if there is anything like that reach out to listing agent and ask.

Until then, we cannot rent our unit to anyone just for the sake of safety.

If he won't allow you to inspect ( you could tell the tenants you are a contractor/handyman that he is having look over each unit for safety and upgrades) if he is serious about selling.