Heck, we tracked up here, let's go in was the response.I punched in code. and wow!!

If so, the contract states I can not alter the property before closing, so what gives?  

In a lot of areas, anytime you open up the walls, the city is going to make you bring all electrical up to code and have the plumbing inspected.  

Tax Code makes my head hurt. 

They drive up to the house and call me, I give them the lock box code, in they go and I'm right there with them.When it's time to leave I get to watch them put the keys back in the box.

.  ~$300 all told.My fraternity house had code locks on the two main entrances.  

If you are located in a stable market with no population loss predicted in the next decade (us census has very detailed and very educated forecasting models for most zip codes)then each month your tenant pays down your mortgage will count as money in your pocket.

Additionally, depending on size of the building/units local code may require fire alarm systems requiring monthly monitoring service and a dedicated phone line.On the flip side (income) is there an on-site laundry, storage locker/rooms for other income sources?  

But once you have a tenant, it's easy, if you fixed your house to code or have done somewhat a decent job.

I own a restaurant that is going through a tear down and rebuild and am up to my eyeballs in contractor issues, etc (more city code issues than with the contractors.