Hi, flat roofs keep snow, water/rain, branches and other debris on top of the house adding wear and tear to the roof, when you have an angle the snow, rain, and debris will fall down.

At least with an old 2000 sf. ranch house built in 1959 you can tear out the plumbing, gut it and totally renovate it, and it will make economic sense to do so when the values get high enough in those neighborhoods.What happens to old condos? 

1) at $23k there isn't a lot of room to negotiate down especially since there are closing costs and the seller has to move, so I'm not surprised they won't go down. 2) from the description it sounds like it needs a lot of work and adding a closet (literally just some studs, drywall and a door) is not going to cost much if you do it while you are tearing up, replacing and fixing up everything else.Are you sure the issue isn't just that it's your first and you are getting nervous? 

At one point I took back a property from a failed fix and flip and ended up trenching the finished basement and tearing open walls to allow for inspections of work that had been done long, long ago. 

It keeps the hard water from sticking to and tearing everything up.

My experience with both of them has been good.Are you looking for someone who will tear the place apart and provide a report that makes it sound like it will be condemned or someone who gives very practical and pragmatic context and suggestions?

some tear down work? 

Must include:- obtaining all licenses and permits- tear down of existing structure(s)- complete build including finishes

There is nothing worse than having to tear something out because of non-conformity.

- if yes, then transfer the deed), and tell them that you will "TRY" to stop it from going into foreclosure, etc.Essentially have them either sign over a quit claim deed (make sure both husband & wife, or partner is there), or the best way to CYA is to have a deed put in escrow with your attorney if you are not familiar with table top closings.Now you have a deed so you have control of the property, and then you go and try to find your lease option buyer... then if you cant, just tear up the deed and move on.