Well ... as a licensee, I cannot comment on the safety or desirability of a given neighborhood.

The biggest thing they want to see is consistency in your work history (consistent work industry = job security and safety = more likely to not miss a mortgage payment).If you haven't yet, talk to their lenders and see what you can get approved for and how to improve your approval.Co-borrowers are very helpful, but are limited in usage depending on the loan you are using.

And in as far as preventing a lawsuit, which is what everyone would like to do - if something is legitimately unsafe or a tenant makes a complaint about something that could be a safety issue, do yourself the favor and fix it, and fix it quickly.          

In the same vein, however, I have safety glasses, an N95 paper mask, and a cheap pair of corded earplugs in my general bag at all times with my multitools.

A number of them will be re-introduced in next year’s legislative session.SB 47-Evidence - Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance - Fair Housing TestingHB 34-Failure to Pay Rent Proceedings - Prohibition on Rent Increases and Shielding of Court RecordsHB 303/SB 757-Baltimore City - Air Conditioning in Residential Rental UnitsHB 166-Workgroup to Study Community Association Standing in Nuisance Actions in Baltimore CountyHB 211-Rental Housing Fund, Calculation of Taxable Income, and Transfer Tax - Alterations (Affordable Housing Investment Act)HB 315/ SB 817-Multifamily Dwellings - Smoking PoliciesHB 577-Human Relations - Discrimination in Housing - Reentry-Into-Society StatusHB 684/SB 504-Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases and Holdover Tenancies - Local Just Cause Termination ProvisionsHB 691/SB 807-Landlord and Tenant - Failure to Repair Serious and Dangerous Defects - Tenant Remedies (Tenant Safety Act)HB 757/SB 919-Real Property - Expedited Wrongful Detainer Proceedings - Property for Sale or LeaseHB 882/SB 770-Landlord and Tenant - Holding Over - Landlord Restrictions and Tenant RemediesHB 972-Landlord and Tenant - Rent Escrow - Mold in Residential Dwelling UnitsHB 1016-Real Property - Residential Lease - Early Termination by TenantHB 1023-Real Property - Landlord and Tenant - Procedures for Failure to Pay Rent, Breach of Lease, and Tenant Holding OverHB 1163/SB 964-Human Relations - Protections Against Discrimination - Criminal Records

There should be no safety hazards, especially tripping hazards, but also exposed sharp edges or plate glass; inadequate or poorly repaired/modified electrical systems; railings, stairs, and decks need to be safe and secure; all windows and doors should operate as intended.

But I would have one at the front door and I might have a few perimeter ones for safety and oversight.  

Section 8 inspectors are very particular about mold, chipping paint (inside and out) and safety.

If they say no, don't, you tell them you don't agree to that and it's a notice not a request that you will be recording for documentation and safety procedures. 

Also, a smaller safety net makes converting a safety net into a hammock harder.