Based on the info you provided, there are strong red flags.

Any red flags or recommendations when looking for a cleaner?

@Bob Beach @Luca Giani had some great post below on what to look out for when evaluating PM or just heads up on things to double check with PMs before signing on.Post: Property Management IssuePost: Property Managers, Red Flags?

If you intend to hook it up it would be smart to make sure it is not blocked either by tree roots or crushed at some point underneath the lawn or someone poured cement down it or something like that.

My limited knowledge was based on people being frustrated with trying to get foreign loans, and dealing with red tape. 

The permit will ensure 1) that this work received maximum valuation 2) that it is not red tagged later 3) that the work is likely done correctly. 

Post: Property Management Issue from @Nancy E.Post: Property Managers, Red Flags? 

Post: Property Management Issue Post: Property Managers, Red Flags? 

Any flip videos working on homes in the "Gates" (forsythia, red rose, snowball gates)?

Anyway, code enforcement asked to see the inside of the apartment & i agreed as i was doing some improvements inside like painting etc.....afterwards he nailed a red tag to my wall which i didnt pay much attention to because I was literally unaware of what it was or what it meant.