If it’s a condo, they’re usually pretty easy, older homes have problems, but depending on how you’ve got it set up, you may not run into an issue for months, so paying someone $$$ for nothing kills me. 

My issue is this.

Landlord mentioned 2 issues in reply to deposit - 1.

The damage done to roof with mounting and other insurance issues usually outweighs any positives.Sounds like they have a company exec or hired contractor to call on possible sites and see who they can get cheap rent from. 

No way to estimate the cost until the issue was exposed. 

I'm not seeing absorption rate issues, but really need to sit down with some subject matter experts so I can do a quantitative analysis and 'pitch' with confidence (to investors and banks) before buying our next apartment there.   

I would also run the addresses through the enforcement database and ensure that there is no pending demo order or some other insidious board of health issue. 

I would greatly appreciate some thoughts on this issue.  

I am not disagreeing with you, just looking for guidance on how I can protect myself, as well as avoid any issues.

I wasn’t aware of those insurance issues.