They usually want it to be "habitable", but don't usually care about the details.

But if you think they might manage SFRs, feel free to pass me the details and I will check with them.

One of the tenants was a real jerk when we did a final walkthrough, and I have witnessed on several occasions that there are two people living in the apartment and 1 small dog, although the lease states an occupancy of 1 with NO dog.I don't want an immediate problem, and would prefer to avoid immediately having to deal with an eviction.

Before getting it under contract do an informal walk through and take notes; subsequently under contract "hire" a certified property manager and/or appraiser to compare notes. 

I've made offers on several short sales in the past but never actually bought one.I've been told to put language in the contract to the effect of "property will be delivered vacant and all of owner/occupants' or tenants belonging will be removed before closing date".What about the final walkthrough?

No need to go through all the details to see they had the wrong number.Had it gone the other direction and they had sent you a check for $10,000, I have no doubt you would have accepted it."

Pay close attention to the details - open furnace closets, inspect the roof, look at the finishes and see if what you are looking at jives with what you are hearing.

Thank you for the detailed responses!

That's a little bit too living on the edge for me but he has been very successful.Jim, by "initial inspection" do you mean initial walk through?

Here are the details of a deal I just completed.