This particular home I know I'm going  to run into some kind of problem because the basement is mostly finished, but even I know it's not to code just from what I can SEE (let alone vapor barriers and whatever). 

The property is bank owned so they have little information but after talking to the inspector it seems it was condemned because the only form of egress is a staircase that is not built to code.

It was 2005, Chapter 5 of the Property Code, and they are now considered "executory contracts". 

IF YOU REFUSE TO SUBMIT TO ARBITRATION AFTER AGREEING TO THIS PROVISION,YOU MAY BE COMPELLEDTO ARBITRATE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL  PROCEDURE.

Here's what I've done so far: Set up the parameters for your target list (example: 12345 zip code, 3br, 2ba, 40+% equity, absentee owner, no corporations, etc).

Home inspectors are trained to find code violations and defects.

I'd aim for the 2 year mark of living there for the Home Sale Exclusion (Code Sec 121).

I know it's never as simple as a zip code list.......BUTCould any Nashvillians give me a basic idea of areas to look for investment stock in the city please.

(for my passive portfolio) I am doing allot of market and sub market research to determine the best zip codes and have narrowed it down to three and am searching them for specific neighborhoods every weekend.

They do need good promoters with long track records.