I know that the DIY test kits have to sit in a spot over a few days and my husband fears that the owner might move the tests to prevent mold from showing up. 

To prevent the issue from arising we emphasize the "joint and severally liable" clause in the lease, which means all the tenants are collectively responsible for the lease. 

How do you prevent yourself from being "cut out" of a deal?

Since the items were preventing us from moving in our own items, we decided to deal with it ourselves.

Just because the contractor signs a lien waiver, doesn't prevent them from actually filing a lien within the time periods permitted to file a lien (based on the city/county of the property).

Think of what those clauses are trying to prevent as you're reading them.And lastly, read more...Good luck

Provide proper care for the pet in accordance with veterinary recommendations or ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) guidelines.

From my limited experience, the market here is high and most of what is listed on the MLS is overpriced, with rents often undermarket and the new rent control law preventing bringing them up to market quickly.

Both prevented me from taking action early on. 

Flood Insurance Cost2. availability of property coverage based on proximity to the coast (windstorm exposure)Neither of those will prevent the deal but the costs of the insurance should be researched before you go forward so you can factor that in.There are now multiple private market Flood Insurance providers (Non-FEMA) and I would advise checking them as they can sometimes be significantly less.Contact a good Independent Insurance Agent with multiple markets and get some rough numbers for a sample property.