Getting parents to co-sign is another safety net I would like to try. 

I'm still in the due diligence mode but that would at least be a good start.  

:http://www.kts-law.com/documents/Articles/DaycareA...Thanks @John Dsousa That is a specific case summary / finding, but it lead directly to:EXCERPTS FROM THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION1596.70-1596.798 1597.40.

Not worth my safety to deal with an issue like this.

Naturally this is better than being out on the street.RED TAG: Here the homeowner is DEAD in the water when they are given the news that their home is condemned by the health and safety and building departments and they are not allowed to re-occupy it and often not even allowed back in to gather personal belongings and keepsakes.

Here's what confuses and keeps me in analysis paralysis mode. 

He's in 'wait and see' mode - probably meaning that he'll wait for us to put 25K into repaving, fencing, landscaping and then he might come around and renovate his and not pay a dime for anything.I do want to add that on paper this block is all split up into 8 lots.

For safety concerns, I would install larger windows in case firemen need to use them to save lives down the line.

That rationale is that as long as the tenant is OK with living with a degraded unit, so long as it's not integral to the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants, building, or other tenants, what's the difference? 

A lot of people say if the property can be bought at 70% after rehab budget factored in then its a flip however this is just one model. I