Buying multi-family (no green card) in Jersey City Heights

[Ray Nin]

First time buyer and appreciate any advice! I am looking to buy a multi-family house in Jersey City Heights. The owners lived here for decades & never got a green card. As a first time buyer I am looking to ensure our investment is protected and am considering asking for an escrow amount, just incase if there will be expenses necessary to get the place into shape to obtain the green card. Further, I have heard that the process has taken much longer during the pandemic.

Looking for advice to protect my investment and also wondering if anybody has gone through this process during the pandemic. Many thanks!