How Does an Impending Eviction Affect Your Buying Decision?

[Eric Smith]

Hey so I'm pursuing my first deal on a multi-family unit in Columbus, Ohio.  It's in a rougher part of town, I've heard from some folks on here that the area is C-C+. I've been in discussions with the listing agent for the past week and one of the things that's come up is a tenant is currently going through the eviction process. Now, as an investor in name only, looking for my first deal in a remote location, this is obviously something that concerns me. 

I'm looking for advice but I'd also like to share what I feel are my options going forward. Please note that I don't know how plausible they all are so feel free to comment:

1) Write it into the offer that the eviction process has to be completed by closing, else I can walk.

2) Ask for money back at closing to cover any fees plus unforeseen damages to the property.

3) Walk away and find something else.

Oh great, now I can't figure out how to get my margins back to what they were before....anyway, I haven't made an offer yet. I'm having a manager in the area check out the property and report back to me.  After that, I'll make a decision on whether I should fly there to see the place myself.  At this point in the analysis, the deal makes sense on paper but I'm still fact gathering.  I've reached out to the listing agent to provide more details on where the seller is with this process.  What I've heard before is 'he's going to take care of it so you don't have to'.  Hardly reassuring since I haven't seen any paperwork yet.

Thoughts? Thanks all!

[Eric P.]

write it into the offer that you won't close until eviction is complete, all damages are remediated, & you do a final walk-through / inspection & confirm it's in proper shape. If seller wont agree to this (or tries to pressure you against this), walk