At the time, I was very green to hiring contractors, and the entire electrical wire was done without permits.

Also, my sense is that discretionary income is a lot smaller than it has been historically, due to the inflation bug. 

Chicago's heat ordinance requires a minimum daytime temperature of 68F, nighttime 66F, and may God have mercy on your soul should that not be met.That means you are installing electric baseboard heat as a down and dirty solution (eliminates need for third gas meter, too, as stove can be electric).

So yes, I think lots of flippers are rolling the dice and getting away with unpermitted work.Adding electrical, plumbing, and HVAC requires a permit.

If it’s electric can you look in to the heat pump units.

5) For electric & gas, get proof tenants have set up accounts in their name BEFORE giving them keys.

Tenants bring lamps and all sorts of electrical devices into the unit.

I figure it could be a great bonding experience, as he enjoys doing this type of work (he has done plumbing, framing, electrical, etc. and can fix anything).There is a lot to know long before owning a property to flip, if you want to be profitable and stay out of trouble.

I saw some inspection reports that state things like "a qualified electrical engineer will have to evaluate for repair".

The electrical is the next item.