.)- Know that any code violations and/or contaminated properties are still going to be in violation and/or contaminated after the sale.- Know that anyone living in the property at the time of the sale is likely going to still be living there after the sale, so it'll be your responsibility (and expense) to get them out.- Know that it is possible to have a tax sale later ruled invalid (usually because an interested party claims/proves they weren't properly notified of the sale). 

Previously the old deck (that was almost falling apart) had the stairs going circular (which is not up to code in Boston anymore) which gave my deck a lot of space.

If zoning legally allows you to have a two-unit property and this home meets current zoning/code requirements then you are fine.  

Location, Locationfind the neighborhood you are willing to buy..check the section 8 website for max payment in that zip code.  

I'm a recent (non real-estate) law school graduate taking the bar at the end of the month.

@Cheryl PepperBased on the very limited data you provided, I think you need to do a lot more due diligence.N Tuxedo Street is not anywhere close to Broad Ripple Park.The 46205 area code is pretty central Indianapolis, but you have a septic system - why are you even considering this?

Well save that topic for another thread 1099 is only for bar tenders and waitresses.

The best way of finding an attorney is using your state Bar's lawyer referral service. 

That is going to support a ton of small business, retail, and restaurant/bars. (2k new units equal ~3k more people, average restaurant/bar can serve 200 people at a time if that)  These neighborhoods right outside of that area will first turn into the places young hourly wage workers turn to live close to work at reasonable rents and short commutes. 

Those things just need to be reported to code compliance.