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Updated over 4 years ago,
Newbie multifamily first purchase problems
I'm feeling very frustrated and discouraged. I'm currently a renter in the process of buying my first duplex to house hack. I have a duplex under contract in Arlington, TX, but after meeting with the inspector today I am not feeling confident about it all. The seller wants full asking ($250K) for it and it needs a lot of work, which they want the buyer to take care of.
It has verified foundation issues, which it's had for many years. Piers were put in to repair the foundation in 2017 but more movement is already apparent since then. There's evidence around and inside the property that water has been inside it several times. There are concrete sacks leaning against the outside walls in the backyard and the flooring on the vacant side is bubbled up in ripples, with pieces of it coming completely up. The inspector believes there is a crack in the foundation under the house and water is possibly coming up through the floor as well as through the walls during torrential rains. The recent foundation inspection report provided by the seller shows that several preventative measures are needed to protect the foundation from further damage; including new and added gutters, french drains, and a curb poured alongside the occupied side of the property.
These are just the foundation concerns. It doesn't include the fact that the occupied side needs a new HVAC in the attic (the tenants have window units in the house because the air won't blow cold), and the entire occupied side needs a full cosmetic update including 2 bathrooms and kitchen. Also, both fireplaces need to be repaired inside and various places outside the house where boarding has come apart from the brick because of water.
I was okay with the cosmetic updates needed and even installing new gutters and a french drain, but it looks like it's going to take more than that and more than I can afford. I can't buy this property at this price and put all this money into it. I know inspectors' jobs are to find every little thing wrong with a property and I have taken that into account, but I'm honestly overwhelmed and uncertain what I should do. I already know the seller doesn't want to do any work on the property, so I guess I need to figure out what my new offer should be. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you!