Quote from @Melanie Baldridge: Newton's law of tax: What goes down must come up.Everyone enjoys the sweet benefits of bonus depreciation, but what happens when you sell?

I obviously can't pick and choose what score to accept due to the Land Lord tenant act laws.

My concern is whether the city could deny permits for these modifications, such as removing walls or converting a garage, or if they are mainly just concerned with safety and habitability.

I typically build in an inspection contingency into my offers (yes this reduces my competitiveness of my offers, but its also a safety net to protect my bottom line).

This is a great place to invest for safety and appreciation.

Recommend cash for keys here (like you already tried) and getting them to sign a termination of lease.If the lease period ended and they are on month-to-month typically you have leverage (depending on what your lease says, or local laws) to end the lease at the end of the month given prior notification.

Pay for 2 hours consultation time from an attorney experienced in contractor real property law (if you don’t know of an attorney contact me and I will provide a referral) to understand the specific applicable laws, the risks, and potential costs2.

The contract I could find says the following:```...together with the right of ingress and egress at all times for the purpose of mining, drilling and exploring said land for oil, gas and other minerals, and removing the same therefrom.And said above described land being now under an oil and gas lease originally executed in favor of [Oil Company], Chicago and now held by [Oil Company] it is understood and agreed that this sale is made subject to said lease, but covers and includes of all the oil royalty and gas rental or royalty due and to be paid under the terms of said lease.It is agreed and understood that of the money rentals which may be paid to extend the term within which a well may be begun under the term of said lease is to be paid to the said [purchaser], and in the event that the said above described lease for any reason becomes cancelled or forfeited, then and in that event, the lease interest and all future rental on said land, for oil, gas and mineral privileges shall be owned jointly by [owner] and wife and [purchaser] each owning & interest in all oil, gas and other mineral in and upon said land, together with interest in all future rente.This sale is made for and in consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars, cash in hand paid, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.To have and to hold the above described property, together with all and singular the rights and appurtenances thereto in anywise belonging unto the said [owner] heirs and assigns forever, and we do hereby bind ourselves, heirs, executors and administrator to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said property unto the said [purchaser] heir and assignee against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof

If they complain, tell them to print out a copy of the law that says otherwise.

The brick construction is a plus for durability, but check for any signs of foundation issues, especially if the property has settled over the years.Be sure to budget for updates to key systems—plumbing and electrical upgrades can be pricey but crucial for tenant safety and modern functionality.