The biggest drawback to low income landlording is how time consuming it is, both collecting rent and more hand holding, and more involved move outs.  

No business partner or will anyone in the future be involved in this.  

What type of property was involved (apt, commercial, storage units)?

I would think a site like that would be ideal for all parties involved in real estate investing.

There is nothing wrong with charging a non refundable application fee.There is time and cost involved in processing a tenants application.

Can the courts get involved and force the owner to open the building for the appraisal?

I wanted to present a thorough and honest look at what is involved in acquiring and flipping a property in the condition this one is in.

I first became involved at around 11 or 12yrs old. 

It's an option to be considered, and it's big business for the many people involved in the process -- lenders, inspectors, real estate sales, the home improvement industry, construction, real estate attorneys, etc.  

I wouldn't deal at a 13% yield, too low, it takes 15/16% to get involved, sometimes a little less if it's a note that can be rolled over quickly, refinanced.