Deciphering FOIA Documents

[Angela Dani]

So I recently visited a property that was completely gutted to the bones. It’s considered an R1 but compliant as a 2 flat as well. I figured this is a great foundation to work with if I want to flip it. But it was interesting to see contractors tools left behind, and a permit paper stating a date of March of this year on the floor, so it looks like it was an abandoned rehab and one of the FOIA documents alleged to the contractor not finishing out the job to what they were paid for. I pulled the FOIA papers from the city and received lots of documents I frankly can’t seem to understand. I am essentially wanting to figure out what happened with this property -if there’s anything legally I should be aware of before pursuing placing an offer. The current asking price is way overpriced considering it’s not in a livable condition, especially compared to other comps in this area! Should I reach out to a real estate attorney or is there any other type of person out there who would be able to help go through these documents and consult me in whether this property is worth further pursuing? Would it maybe be worth me just reaching out directly to the owner and asking his side of the story? Any advice on what to do here with this gutted home and FOIA info would be greatly appreciated,

thank you BP friends!