buying duplex with bad tennants

[Joy Hagerty]

i am negotiating an offer to buy a duplex for 288K.  cash flow is 3000 a month.  but the tenants all have large pets that are destroying the place.  there is deferred maintenance including roof replacement. this is in a turning neighborhood.  still not quite safe but used to be really bad.  should I proceed still or back out?

the last buyer bought it for 232K 7 month ago. he did minimum repair or update to half the units

[Thomas S.]

If rents are at $3000 (I assume $1500/unit) and there are issues you should not be paying anything close to $288K. Why pay anymore than the present owner paid 7 months ago. Unlikely it has appreciated in value.

I would offer below $232K and let them negotiate you up or walk away. If they are despirate to sell you should be able to make a deal.