Quote from @James Mc Ree:
It is good to know the area, but I think you are focusing on the wrong thing if that is your primary focus. How does the condition of the house and its features relate to the area?
Your post really only says someone bought a property for $70. They say they invested $40 and are now asking for a significant premium over their investment. What did they do and is it worth it? Have you seen it? Check the value with comps. Don't blindly rely on the seller's numbers, just in case you are.
Built in 1964, this 1,040 sq. ft. home features three bedrooms, one bathroom, and sits on a 0.21-acre lot.
The property required extensive interior and exterior renovations to reach rent-ready condition. Interior work included refinishing hardwood floors, painting, laying new tile, and installing new light fixtures. Exterior work involved repairing the roof, painting, replacing rotten wood, and installing new light fixtures.
Multiple contractors were engaged for the project, with licensed professionals handling electrical, plumbing, and HVAC upgrades.
I have compared the comps in this area on Zillow and it’s in the range of 115k to 130k.
all else checks out, except that I do not have boots on the ground to verify in-person.