It is possible that the previous flipper bought the property thinking it was only paint and carpet need but ran into a slew other issues preventing a profitable flip. 

Beware of posting past deals (which are considered tombstone ads), as they may be construed as conditioning investors for future investments, and thus, the first step in making an offer.This is a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I understand the importance of adequate tenant screening for prevention, but even the most thorough screening cannot mitigate all risk. 

Otherwise there's nothing in public records to prevent the seller from selling it to someone else.

I did not receive any notice of these violation due to the HOA letters were sent to my rental property, but I'm not sure if my tenants actually received notice either, if they never opened any of these HOA letters. 2- In an attempt to prevent future violations, I asked my tenants to hide their trash cans inside the garage or in the backyard.

I started off basically dropping off notes, texting, etc, and I've had two situations now blow up because that one-way style lost a lot of subtext that would have prevented the situation from escalating. 

Ned,Do you mean the property owner is best protected by the state to prevent/delay/give notice for the sale....and then the chance to redeem?

Assuming this doesn't destroy your DTI and prevent you from getting the refi....

You already know the beauty of your baby but if you want to improve you need to be ready to listen to your mistakes in order to prevent them and fix them.Remember the goal to flipping is to make money.

I have seen huge growth in 'homeless prevention' programs in our area - basically social services tenants can go to who receive a 3-day notice, but that's about all that has had a material effect I can see.Matthew Desmond advocates for housing vouchers for anyone that earns less than say, $30k/yr.