Buying used DSLR to take photos for rental

[Josh L.]

I'm looking through Craigslist to buy a used DSLR so that I can take better photos when I list a place for rent. But, I'm not a camera guy so I really don't know what to look for except that I need a DSLR camera in order to get photographs with the whole room and not just a corner of a room.

I won't take enough photographs to justify the expense of buying a new DSLR camera. But, I'm worried about buying a used DSLR camera that will be a lemon. Is there anything I need to know or look out to know if that camera will be a lemon?

I found a used Nikon D40 on Craigslist for $100+, which seems like a good price compared to what other Nikon D40s go for. But, at that price, there seems like there's got to be a catch. And, I'm a camera newbie, so I don't know if I'll catch it.

According to the seller, the camera was lightly used and the body is in good condition. The seller is a graphic designer, and the camera was properly stored. It comes with the kit lens, but the seller warned that the kit lens has difficulty autofocusing in low light. How do I verify if its really in good condition? If the lens has that problem, does it mean its already broken?

The Nikon D40 is an older model and only has 6 megapixels compared to newer DSLR cameras which have double digit megapixels. Will 6 megapixels be enough for real estate photography?