Sure you might come across properties that have been sold recently or something, but going through every single property individually to look up that information seems like a colossal waste of time, instead of just paying $.10 cents for skip tracing.

Apartment complex down the road offers a discount for 15 month leases vs 12 months leases of about $10 per month savings. Is forcing people to stay an extra 3 months a good indicator they will likely live there longer...

I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to avoid "wasting" this $15k loss.

Since this is your first property, I would recommend you start with a single family home instead of a duplex to minimize the scope of the rehab so you can learn the process a bit easier than a larger, more lengthy rehab.

If you're trying to purchase the LLC and refinance current debt as the new owner, the mortgage lender may require seasoning to make sure you have skin in the game.Taking over an LLC is a great way to control the assets of the LLC for a minimal cost in many respects.Stephanie

I feel like I should be prepared before hand so I am not wasting time on getting it under contract to flip it but I also realize building rapport is as important. 

The quality of home inspectors varies greatly based on:- ability to identify all relevant issues (no inspector will find 100% if you include minor issues)- correct interpretation of the issue (minimizing/maximizing of the issue)- ability to answer questions in a factual and practical way- quality of the report, easy to read, easy to understand (for the seller, who was not there!!)

The government has released minimal information/data and we have very little data or precedent for how this will unfold.

repairs will be minimal for awhile it has a new roof and new boiler plus everything else will be new, or gone over. 

Total waste of time and not worth it.If you really want to make it go away, tell him you are going to file a complaint against him with the Contractors State License Board.