I want one or two to fit in the VERY tight spots so I don't have to tear out a wall and rebuild to replace a water heater. 

They have fallen into disrepair, and the town has condemned many of them, and may be able to take possession of them, but it will cost the town more than what the buildings are worth just for the upkeep, tear them down, and in some cases they are connected to a renovated space.  

The city is wanting to tear it down, they've been fighting to not have to.

Hello allI recently got an level 2 inspection of a chimney and they are saying I need to tear down and rebuild the roofline and up on this chimney (5,000 repair)and if I don’t in a year or two it will just spread like cancer and I will have to have the whole thing replaced (12-15k).  

It will take blood, sweat and tears, but some people do this very successfully.

If not, I think you are ok with putting nice tile in the kitchen and bathrooms to save on cost and future wear and tear.

It's enough to tear the house down and sell the land only if anything should happen. 

My offer would be 50% (or less) of lot value minus tear down costs. 

Today my contractor quoted me $4,200 to do a total tear off on a 29 square roof with 30yr dimensional shingles.$2,400 were for all materials and $1,800 for labor and it will be done in 1 day.  

However, there are downsides to include the wear and tear of multiple adults in the property instead of a small family or couple.