Once you have a track record and a relationship, hopefully with a portfolio lender, alternatives may be possible.

Yes, there's an electronic gas leak detecter you can buy at HD and Lowes for $30.

And closing costs of $4,200 work out to 1.2%, which seems low for attorney's fees, appraisal, inspection fees, pre-paid homeowner's insurance, origination fees, pest inspection, pre-paid property tax, recording fees, survey fees, title fees, transfer taxes, etc.Not sure how old the property is, but CapEx + Maintenance of 14% feels optimistic to me. 

Vetting the operators and reviewing their experience / track record is one of the most important things.

If they don't want people with any (or certain) criminal convictions to be hampered by that when it comes to renting a home (or otherwise) - then why not pass a law that the record becomes sealed and thereby doesn't show up on a rental background check? 

Existing Mortgage Balance: 228K @ 1400/mo (PITI) Repairs: 15kARV: 250KAcquisition Cost (Back Payments): 20K + 5K wholesale fee +2k (title insurance, deed recording, etc)Potential Rent: 2000/moCash flow: 7200/yr or 600/Mo.Instead of renting it, the other option would be Contract for Deed where I would request 5-10% down with a sales price of 250k.

I would record my name on the title at the county if I were you. 

Is the contract recorded?

Once I more substantial track record I'll move to 1/3 and eventually 1/2. 

They've been divorced about 10 years apparently.I checked property records and it appears only his name is on the property, even though she is the one who has been paying the property taxes.