That should be basic due diligence for any agent.

On top of that the annual filing is $1200 for the basic filing and them more for any additional activities. 

You're really going basic on your "profit" calculations.

i assume with age, deferred maintenance, old appliances, basically time machine when they went into retirement, thats all good. 

Basically more leverage to generate interest.

To stay safe in DC, you absolutely need your Basic Business License (BBL) and a lease that includes the DC Tenant Bill of Rights, Lead Disclosure, and your Rent Control Exemption status. 

I only move forward with prospects who meet my basic criteria—income requirements, minimum credit score, and no prior evictions.

It’s basically an inflated version of paying 5-10% over ask and then asking the seller to cover that much in closing costs/repairs?

They were basically selling a call option on value appreciation, despite the marketing stating a different risk profile.The market didn't really "go against" these providers, it just returned to normal.    

Basic compliance costs are manageable per entity, but complexity and cost rise fast with multi-state filings, ownership changes, K-1s, and banking/lender documentation.