Also, if you are looking at a specific market your property management company and/or mortgage broker may be able to get your the Co-star report for that market.Milken best cities report (google it), Marcus & Millichap, Integra Realty Resources (IRR), Census.gov, City-data.com, bestplaces.net, CBREHope this helps!

I think you also have to be careful not to take a generalize news report and apply it to your local area. 

The zoning that I would be describing in the appraisal report would say "legal, non-conforming and with no rebuilding allowed in case of fire or other damage." 

Will you pull a credit report?

You could also write some inspections into your contract, if you are willing to do them or have someone you trust do them. quarterly inspections + report of their finances?

Great news!! 

I'm looking for an article or report that contains an industry overview for the REI industry.

When getting a property under contract, instead of rushing to shop around for an inspector to visit the property and having him/her create a report all within the inspection period (so stressful!)

The previous owners have reported when it gets very cold (0-10 degrees Fahrenheit) they will put a space heater in the basement to hopefully prevent the pipes from freezing.

(The good news is, my offer got accepted and I just purchased my first parcel of vacant land, a really beautiful lot with a view!