How big of a deal is a painted water heater pipe in a garage.? (Irvine CA)
I’m not worried about the paint, though I don’t know how well it will perform over time. The joints should not be taped.
Did they use high heat paint 
Doesn’t look like it. It will probably bubble and fall off. Maybe say something about if the paint starts to look scorched or start to smell burned it should be removed. Agree on the tape, it looks like masking tape.