We just bought an R2 Duplex in Eagle Rock that has an illegally converted garage. It was tagged by housing for being unpermitted and so we need to either convert it back into a garage or save ourselves by building cov...

However you may be able to change the way you open the call or like Ken said, the Q's you ask in order to uncover the lack of motivation. 

5) Did you uncover why the previous owner was at 78% after 3 years and only at 50% of the rehab?

Take all the experience you've gained looking at and analyzing all the too expensive deals this past year to help you recognize your great deal when you finally uncover it. 

Of course you may uncover something that's  bargain but the market is really against you.

You are making it seem like the O.P. uncovered some previously unknown or propitiatory information which is unbelievably naive and honestly pretty egotistical out of the O.P.

I'm sure the inspection will uncover myriad things but most of it I will likely not fix. 

There are 5 paved uncovered parking spaces at front of building.

We have re-done the kitchen (upgraded appliances, painted cabinets, new knobs, etc), opened up floor plan, uncovered hardwood floors, and will soon be building better closets.             

Some of those questions you should already have a good understanding of what the answer should be but will help you uncover a person's underlying motives (if any) and overall experience depending on their answers.