Exhaustive research.  

I was exhausted by the time it was done. 

Thanks Ronald and Ken,No, I didn't send a letter, other than countless e-mails showing the squalid conditions via photos (also sent to the property owner, as well), but not an actual physical letter.

Start by doing some doodles with a pro forma to determine if you have a viable deal on your hands and if so, get a rough set of plans together to see how the project physically works and if it holds up financially and confirm that it can be permitted in a way that meets market demand.Feel free to contact me if you need/want more direction.Good Luck,Barry

If the tenant thinks it may cost 20 bucks, they may figure why risk reporting the drip drop sound behind the wall, the ineffective bathroom exhaust fan, rust around the water heater base, or clank in the appliance (remember their interest in the maintenance of your property is probably not that great; it's your place in the end... and they may be short term)....They are also your eyes and ears, so maybe, as mentioned already, in the on-boarding you can communicate their obligation to report legitimate property issues without calling you on a whim for something silly (like give them examples... don't call me if you spill a glass of water; do call me there is any leaking water from pipes; don't call me if you see a spider; do call me if you see a racoon family under the porch etc)....Best of luck!

Is it ok to email the agreement over to my seller, physically mail, or some other way?

However, this fourplex is up to par(all tile floors, bathroom and kitchen redone) and will be physically seeing the inside tomorrow.

You want hard assets you can measure, touch, weigh and physically see.  

From my experience (I'm using an attorney to form an LLC currently) you need a physical address for the state It's in, so I'd go with California.This isn't legal advice, and j could be wrong.

Thanks, @Bradley De comarmond  I'm thinking I'll start with exhausting all options for local investing, focusing on anything that could make sense to house hack.