I definitely want to make sure everything is up to code -- but also don't want to pay a mint to have this done, if I can reasonably contribute my own labor to it. 

I would say any kind of cracks that can potentially get worse, water marks of penetration that can potentially grow mold, things not up to code like hanging wire that is not capped, unstable front porch steps, railing.. things that need to be replaced like windows, doors..   

I use Rent Spree to do the background checks.....BP offers a promo code on these.

WE all learn this you cant do development and not have something get you that you just could not foresee up frontAs developers we pay some pretty big money for experts to help us along the way but we still get caught or stung by changing regulations and or someone reading the code a particular way..

There are large fluctuations between single zip codes (some zips having A/B and as D/F sections within a single zip. 

., look up liens, title issues, code violations, zoning issues, etc. at the county.* Continue to narrow your favorites by the info you find. 

The 1031 tax code seems hard for investors, unless you are willing to pay a higher price when you buy.

Some juristictions like Seattle are requiring updates to handrails to current code standards as part of rental inspection and registration ordinances,   and it could be a liability thing if a baby or dachsund climbs through the 8" or larger gaps in the handrails in an older building nonetheless.   

I've basically cut and paste all of the new ORS code that goes over this stuff.

He is a schoolteacher in San Diego and invests in the greater Cleveland area.I discovered that by going to Zillow....and typing in Duplexes for sale in a given zip code I would see who the LISTING agents are in those zip codes.....I saw certain agents over and over with good ratings and that's who I reached out to because they are used to working with investors.