I heard of a story a while back about someone doing this equity strip via liens they created from thin air.... and they had a problem with title company later could not verify the pay off letter when they tried to sell property and they lost a potential buyer trying to iron out deal.

He is a very reliable source but I will also try to verify this elsewhere

They will review the scope of work you want to do, they will review the licensing of the contractors involved and once they are satisfied that what is to be done is safe and within building codes, they will give permission for the project to start (they will "release the permit").At various checkpoints throughout the project, the local building inspector will verify that work is being done property and in accordance with building codes, and at the end of the project, he will do a final inspection.

Verify your rehab costs before you determine your offer price.

maybe verify that # on the county tax rolls!

Tell them that when they move out to call you (set up a Google Voice number) and you'll send someone over to verify it's been clean and you'll pay them $200 in Cash on the spot.

Try to verify what the PM is telling you... its not too hard to get some comps on rentals.

I'd want to verify this.

Keeping in mind that when i make the offer, I have either already walked the property (or if not, when I get word they seller will be acepting my offer, I do so) and then the following day or two, I have my contractor out to verify my rehab budget is correct.

Another thing to keep in mind: have the incoming tenant put the utilities in their name AND VERIFY IT the day before they move in, so you don't get hosed there.