I'm in Louisiana, so this is understandable, but this is my first. 

We closed the property before I obtained the 2nd loan so only the hard money loan has a lien.

Can anyone confirm and if so, and local companies you recommend to help with removal? 

If not, your own vacuum will contain bugs or their eggs, so make sure you address that. 

I'd also check if renovations were done and if so were permits pulled? 

Learn how they work now so when the opportunity presents itself, you're ready and know what is available and how to use them4.

They tend to find the worse for wear properties at the lowest prices, so if you're looking to do heavy rehabs that's a good starting point. speaking with other flippers in the area or real estate agents would help give you the best idea of what you may be looking at for ARV's and rents if you planned on holding any of your properties. 

The sections of pipe are separated, so I'm thinking it's an open trench job. 

To be honest, they don't always start out as great deals, but when you buy in higher quality areas, they get better and better every year. 5-7% annual rent growth and appreciation adds up to a significant amount after 5 years or so. 

That turned out to be a good move so far.