With only that information, I see no reason not to.

Tell him you'll give him a call :) This is one of the reasons why we tell tenants they need to vacate the property for any major repairs.  

And, know this:  The #1 reason that Landlords fail is their failure to manage to the lease (source: American Apartment Owner's Assn).  

My main concern is the interest rates being so high now as to whether what I'm hoping to achieve is really even possible. 

I’m a bit biased for obvious reasons, but seriously, Georgia is perfect for small multifamily projects.

There is no point in looking at a home that can not reasonably obtain a permit.

Install low flow water heads, swap the washer/dryer with High Efficiency models, replace the water heater with a tankless version and lock the temperature at a reasonable level, install smart thermostats that will automatically reduce the heat/cool when it senses no one is home, swap all the lights for LEDs, etc. 

A reason in all markets to potential keep at this time is that you may have significantly lower interest rates if the purchase was done no later than q1 of 2022.  

I stopped reading after reading your subject line...know this:The #1 reason why landlords fail is due to their failure to manage to the lease (Source: American Apartment Owners' Assn). 

I don't want to get into specifics but we passed on the property for a couple of reasons you mentioned.