I would think in most situations the original owner is in financial trouble, probably delinquent on their mortgage and facing foreclosure.

You also don't have to face those icy cold winters.

As with many here, I've been using a mix of Cozy (now Apartments.com), Stessa, and a few other custom workflows for turnovers that have worked well in the past, but with the takeover of Cozy by Apartments.com I'm now out shopping for better options for my primary, tenant-facing service. 

There's a good chance the issue(s) you face has already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

It most likely won't help them in this case but let's face it - they're not big on resolving their own problems especially when you're accommodating them.The longer you allow them to live rent-free with no solution in place, the longer they will do just that.

A question we faced was the exact same: Should we buy used appliances or go for new ones with warranties? 

A lot of area looks barely touched and then of course you have devastation in Fort Meyers Beach. https://storms.ngs.noaa.gov/st... 

.: We just this week bought a 6 unit building in a top notch suburban school system for $615,000 with gross rents of $4615, but to make the deal cashflow (barely), had to raise the gross monthly rents to $6570 on 4/1.

What you’re counting on is even a slow rate of appreciation, say equal to barely inflation, called it 2-3% being multiplied by 4 or 5X because you only put down 20-25%.

You’d need a clear exit plan and enforceable lease terms to protect your investment.Think about the following:Tenant Risk – Can they truly recover financially, or will you face another eviction situation?