Clean roof of debris, including broom cleaning areas where dirt and dust accumulates from ponding waters.3.

But the simplest test is going to be to turn on the water and see where it starts gushing.

I'm a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Upstate NY - more specifically the Capital District outside of Saratoga Springs, NY. 

On the other hand, our house has a brand new roof, brand new hot water heater and recently renovated kitchen with newer appliances.

Normally does not wipe out government liens like IRS, demolition, mowing, preservation, etc.Some place it also does not wipe out water/sewer/utility liens.IRS I believe has 120 days to act after the foreclosure, I can think the other ones sunset.

$1,000 a month is on the lighter side and upwards of $2,000 isn't unheard of.On the upside the fees often include utilities, internet, water, heat etc.

A state like California that has ocean, wooded forests, flat land that would be good farm land if it were not for water issues, and hot, dry desert all within a single state has many different markets.  

The wax ring could be shot, allowing water (and possibly sewage) to leak out around the ring and soak into the floor.

Being a 1960s era, it will have everywhere.  6 inch tile floors, hot water pipes, countertops, etc.Would check on that before diving in.

Do they look good but need new roofs, have soft subfloors and ancient water heaters?