Buying 4-plex during Evictions Process: What would you do?

[Bill Goodland]

So I’m interested in putting in an offer on a 4-plex in an up and coming area around the top of my budget to househack by living in one of the units. Listing agent recently told me at a meetup that one of the units is vacant and wouldn’t give a good reason as to why the seller put it back on the market 8 months later and has since dropped the price 20k. I was on my way to the showing today when my agent told me they cancelled the showing. I stopped by on the way to another showing to see the outside and walk the neighborhood and noticed one of the units has a “Notice of Eviction” letter posted on the door. Seems pretty clear that the out-of-state owner is selling due to issues with tenants not paying. Would this deter you as a new investor? Should I just offer cash for keys after closing if I buy the property? Or only make an offer contingent on non-paying tenants leaving and bank statements proving economic occupancy of other units? Of course I would look in each unit before making any offers. Thanks in advance for the advice.