One thing that stood out to me however was that the example used is an oddball case; not the norm. 

I’ve actually stood in the sustainable city.

These are just some that stood out to me.

I can't give a real answer from experience, but I can suggest calling banks -- EVERY bank -- EVERY credit union -- EVERY mortgage lender -- and ask for their "REO" department (Real Estate Owned).I admit that I've done that in the past, and did get to look at a few nice deals, but that dreaded "F" word* stood in the way.Of course, the challenge these days, with the Internet and Email and such, almost nobody has a live person answering the phone anymore.

We looked at probably 10 multis in Biddeford and Saco, but this one stood out because it would allow us to owner-occupy a single family home while enjoying the incoming rents of the duplex next door without sharing walls.

Needs:-plumbing- electrical-trusses where fire was -roof -everything cosmetic Looking for advice on some questions/concerns I should have for the seller.

Markets are tough next to military bases and using the design approach mentioned we were able to utilize roof trusses/floor trusses in our design, 8 ft ceilings, engineered wood floors throughout, basic cabinets, fiberglass shower inserts and basic trim.

You say its an old community so I would bet there are no trusses there on the roof.

Yet one competitor stood above and beyond every one else.

I put 20 people in a room, stood at the front and said "Thank you guys from coming out..and tonights speaker is _____" I did very minimal talking, provided a ton of value for the group, and became the "Authority" for real estate in our community.