@Anna Hummer is there a reason you're only interested in one zip code?

If you can, well then you can give it a shot.Also, if you are looking in a major metropolitan area, be prepared for rapid changes to the code that could prevent non-owners doing it to eliminating STR's all together.

It is very important to know all major mechanical are up to code.

Another fun thing we have done is the key box we stick on doors for a house , put something fun in there, a surprise, and give the kid a code.

The biggest hurdle for us at the time was that we have a flat roof and investigating the city's installation requirements for a flat roof seemed like the code requirement would just be setting you up for roof leaks. 

DJT is right- every American is entitled- and expected- to practice tax avoidance(via depreciation, 1031 exchanges, or whatever, the tax code legally allows) but tax evasion is a different animal.

However, you could also hire a handyman whenever something breaks, and have the applicants show the property themselves by giving the code to a lockbox. 

Does this kind of leaking (resulting in puddles of water and dripping above the window) generally consider a form of building code violation?

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

So, create status codes for both of these and a few in-between codes to help you work smarter, not harder.