Hopefully, you can see if they are financial occupants vs physical occupants (non-payers), the turn over expenses, the maintenance the building requires based on the mechanicals, who is paying the utilities, etc. 

Had I not been familiar with the job, I might have felt taken for a ride, but I knew the mechanic was right, and it would have taken me 2 days to do that job myself.

We'd figure out the mechanics of how it works only if the concept is validated.)

The higher grade locks have better mechanical strength, so they last longer and they hold up to more physical force.

My husband has worked in positions that require him to be handy and mechanically inclined.

Solid mechanicals, solid roof, foundation in great shape, everything you could want in a building... they tried to sell it for a decade and received exactly 0 offers.  

If the mechanicals are near the end of it's useful life be ready to negotiate a lower price or have cash reserves day 1.

Another option is to inspect the major items like roof, mechanicals, plumbing, and electrical ahead of making your offer (assuming you are confident you can get it or willing to risk the costs of said inspection without a signed contract).

This is the space where an investor can continue to grow their portfolio even in this market.Now, if you don't want to do rehab and I don't blame you because I've found out the hard way in past ventures that I really really suck at carpentry and most things that aren't basic mechanicals like HVAC (I was an aircraft mechanic in a past life so I "get" things you can assemble with bolts better than how to cut wood in a perfectly straight line even with a jig), there are options to have general contractors and specialist subcontractors do the rehab for you. 

I currently have one fireplace I’m going to remove the chimney from due to an expensive repair being needed and the mason is going to do work to parts of it then brick up the opening to make sure it can never be used again as it’s just not a safe mechanism any more.