If you go immediately to your basement and notice the shape of the stairs on the way down - that's what we're in for.

If a buyer doesn't want it, offer to fill it in for $2K.As to the 3rd bdr, the attic might make a very nice master, stairs up at one end, entry, fireplace, vault a hip roof out the back, small upper deck, W/C, bath and if you can put a washer/dryer up there around the bath area.

However, I have asked the realtor for feedback on the showings and he said that the prospetive buyers have good things to say but they are not thrilled about the master bed, which is a step down (About 5 stairs down from main level.

Place is a 3/1.5 built in the early 1900's. has updated funace, hot water heater, 100amp panel (looks like a small bit of knob and tube was left in), new carpet downstair.Roof needs to be looked at since their was a leak (seller said it was fixed but I don't think I trust his maintnace guys), some small issues with brickwork I will be getting a estimate on later in the week. figure about $1500 for roof work and flashing fix and another $1500 for the brick work (mostly some re pointing a small area and a couple little things)Now the place needs:New kitchen(small)- tile floor (have the 18'x18' travertine that IO got for a steal), cabinets, countertop, appliances, lights ($6K)New half bath-tile floor, vanity, toilet, lights ($1500)Back stairs re done ($1K~1500)Open stairs to attic and turn in to hatchway and use floor space for closets ($1K~1500)Sub floor repair upstairs (stiffen a bit and fix 1 hole) ($750) Carpet Upstairs (700 sqft) ($1K)Upstairs Bathroom- Tile floor, Tile tub srround, build in tub since it is a corner tub now, toilet, sink, ect ($3K)Paint and some drywall/plaster repair ($4K)Fix 3'x8' second floor deck off Master BR-railing and some clean up ($500)Fence backyard and some landscaping ($3K)Misc $2Kcall it about $27K in rehab to make it nice and well in the top of the comps.I could also do less but was looking at making it shine and moving it quick.I figure I have to get into it at low 60's, Owner owns free and clear.

Asbestos was used in many materials throughout buildings - stucco; window putty; asbestos-cement shingles, pipes, and flues; pipe, duct, and vessel insulation; sheet vinyl flooring; drywall joint compound (so over much of the drywall surface); plaster; floor tile (all sizes); flooring, mirror, ceiling tile, and other mastics; roofing; plastic roof cement; roof coatings; acoustic ceiling texture; ceiling tile; and more.Lead-based paint coated with non-lead-based paint in good condition is less of an issue, as long as it is maintained, and is not damaged or disturbed, as by repair and renovation work, or deterioration.

I have found a cement block house that we believe is great for a rehab project.

Evictions are tough in some places.Home with stripped metal/piping or cement down the toilet.

Also, the out-door steel stairs to reach the efficiency apartments are wobbly and rusty, and the 2nd floor balcony does not look or feel very stable. 

If the driveway next to the house is not sealed, (especially if the problem is on the driveway side), then get some self leveling cement.

Below grade is cheaper because you can pour cement walls as opposed to building 2 x 4's with insulation siding sheathing etc. second, below grade usually has a higher risk of water penetration thus making it a less desirable space.