Although I've talked to the tenants a few times about cleaning up, I haven't sent them any formal letters or threatened to take money from their deposit for the state of the apartment during the showing period, which I feel like would be important documentation if they protested my damage assessment in court.

(a) A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant by taking an action described by Subsection (b) because the tenant: (1) in good faith exercises or attempts to exercise against a landlord a right or remedy granted to the tenant by lease, municipal ordinance, or federal or state statute" Last I checked, freedom of speech and protest was both state and federal statute that could be used against a landlord.

Greg I guess they have wild justice in your area but here in Dallas the judges make the decision, and the judges do not like dead-beat tenants at all, but no one has protested against the judges here.Joe Gore

I would definitely check with both DCAD and Building Permits & Inspections to insure you're not going to have an issue.If everything there checks out OK, I would close on that deal and file an immediate protest with DCAD to have the property revalued. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/17/magazine/mayor-e...At the same time, because he is an elected official, that apparently is sufficient for 'housing activists' to show up at the Mayor's personal residence and protest for his lack of empathy for evictions:http://sfist.com/2014/10/18/grab_the_popcorn_evict...Yes, everyone read that right.   

I have a friend here who bought a rent to own home (despite my constant protests) and only has a four month contract.  2.  

Not one of each.Concerning the property values:  In Dallas county they will typically adjust it down to your purchase price if you file a protest. 

If there was some issue 30 years ago, it would probably have to be fraud related, that's a personality matter that doesn't go away, all other matters can be chalked up to circumstances or youth, if he was a Viet Nam protester or got busted in the 60s, use some common sense.

I protested an FHA appraisal about 15 years ago.  

@Tyler FlaggI protest most of my portfolio every year as well.