While mold itself is not as big a deal as people think, I'd make sure I knew how much damage there really was, and what all will need to be done. 

I never thought to look there for prospects. 

The possibility of bad tenants causing damage, or not paying rent, which could lead to negative cash flow, etc.  

It very easily could end up in a downward spiral and damage your relationships.

Conscious decision, timing was important, price reflected generous buffer for known needed work.What I didn't realize is, the tenants are kind of irresponsible slobs, and rather than reporting things to me or applying a _proper_ fix, they'll do a hack fix (e.g. they tied a piece of cloth around a pinhole leak in a pipe, which resulted in expensive water damage years down the line).I've run into a such few cases, where repairs were needed due to long-term tenant negligence (when they rented from the previous owner, so basically before our lease), and I'd like to protect myself and hold them accountable for any future such things that come up.

If you don't want the fence there, have them remove it and repair any damage to the landscaping that occurred. 

We are renovating a unit and a plaster wall or two has some water damage and the contractor said it needs glidwall and gave us an estimate of $2,600 to fix.

There is not a problem with deposits being refunded in our state and if it occurs the former tenant has a clear path for recovery of triple damages through small claims court and subsequent lien as it would be non exempt property  

When you find the prospective property and you dig your heels into the research do you have a plan? 

So, through the title/escrow co I let them know that if the attorney did not cancel it, I would be presenting them for the bill for the new locks and locksmith, and any damage the clean out folks did to MY house as they had no authority---and it was not occupied.