I have made an offer to a property in Fort Lauderdale, FL that is in short sale.  I was going to do some research however it is a very HOT property and priced way below market value (there is a catch of course) and I don't want to be doing my thinking while others secures the property with a contract.  The last one fell apart after the bank countered and now we know the bank's "near bottom" number.

The issue is the property has four open permits, and these are not simple permits like adding hurricane shutters, or running a new electrical line to a shed type thing where you can easily quantify the risks.  These are big permits such as "SECOND FLOOR ADDITION REMODELING ALTERATION" permit with many components to it and a bunch of failed inspections on plumbing, electrical, framing etc...

The seller has asked that I can search online for permit issues all I want, but I cannot call the city to alert them about these permits because they are afraid this may cause some sort of issues for them.  They also want me to write in a clause into the contract saying I am aware there are open permit issues and have agreed to resolve or close them at my expenses and sign a hold harmless at the closing.

So my question is, is there any sort of period BEFORE the closing I can contact the city to find out details on these permits and depending on the answers I can back out?

Basically, is there any way I can properly understand my risks without causing them trouble if I walk away?  I don't see how.  I have to talk to the city to get any real information, the online status of "F" does not help me much.  They want me to talk to the city AFTER the closing, and I want to do it before I agree to the contract.

Is there any sort of usual and customary procedures for these situations?