No way the city could conduct/approve that number of rental properties for section 8 in a short given time.  

But sure, if I was ever desperate enough to need to conduct business this way, I'd certainly check on my Title Company's acceptable lingo, before employing a profiteering Transactional Lender!...

@Patrick PhilipYou're going to need to conduct a Comparative Market Analysis.

Can I send a written notice to conduct a routine property inspection or do I need a cause (potential lease violation)?

Try to get a hold of some old tapes (notes for sale on a spreadsheet) and conduct due diligence on them as if you were actually going to buy.

Knowing my customer base also afforded me the ability to conduct business and reap the rewards of many satisfying referrals.StephenGallagher

How do I conduct an appropriate level of due diligence if I'm buying in an area geographically separate from where I am?

Either way, legal/criminal check should still be conducted for every adult occupant.

If you are assigning right away and they conduct their own inspections at their own expense, then you really don't need a title company, your lawyer can hold the escrow.

The inspections shall be conducted and the contingency concluded within 10 business days from the date of acceptance of this contract.