Also thought about possibly doing a JV to have more buying power for an investment property.

They were written to control or eliminate opportunity for those that practice screwing the consumer and to encourage people to do business with financially well healed contractors rather than do business with contractors that operate being under capitalized which again creates motive and opportunity for a consumer to expose themselves to higher risks.Now is it better for me as a contractor to make things more convenient for me  so I can operate more economically and efficiently while reducing my risks by making sure I get paid every step of the way and my time is used more effectively for me, of course.

It gives them a sense of power.

It's no different than when the electrician shows up with his/her own labourer to send through the attic pulling wires behind them.Ironically, I know a fair amount about electricity and understand quite well how it works; though my professional experience is at a much smaller scale which you may carry in your pocket, wear on your wrist, use to access the Internet or which control large power generation systems.

All,One of my tenant (lets call her Julie) is the power of attorney for her mom's assets /medical treatment.  

There are ways inspectors can check the electrical service even if there is no power on the house.

Develop a system, more $ more buying power.

Once you have some real life education  and by being in the RE business you will start to meet those wealthy no time on the hands professionals that would love a smart agent to help them invest.. you now are working from a power position.

That way everything is in writing and signed.Also, if you are paying the water bill, I recommend looking into Guardian Water & Power's submetering service.  

Used the inspection as negotiating power for a slight drop in price...and it worked!