Using my contractor’s super connections I was able to discern that a foundation issue which had turned up in the previous home inspection on this duplex just wasn’t an issue and got $70,000 off on the price of the building!

That's pretty much what I've discerned too! 

And, as an Appraiser, it is practically impossible for me to accurately discern the market value of an unpermitted addition, which is why I would most likely use an EA and assume it is legal.So, after all that, I could've just answered your question with: "YES, either verify there are permits for the additional addition/bedroom/baths, etc, or get permits for those areas that need them."

No discernible impact can be seen from right to work being ramrodded through.

Once you have them on the line, ask what they have for you as a buyer.How to discern a good deal from a wholesaler is the same as discerning a good deal from the MLS.  

As an experienced investor now (more than 15 years), i can now discern which information / prediction I believe to be true and which i believe to be false in Harry's latest book the "The Demographic Cliff"Originally posted by @Ned Carey :@Aaron Norris Harry Dent has been amazingly accurate in his predictions. 

Gotta be able to use a bit more discernment than that if we want the truth on pros and cons with that scenario in real estate. 

I think the distinction between repair and improvement is probably hard to discern from a permit especially when most permits are not very detailed in describing the work being done. 

Value discernment.

Sometimes it's hard to discern the tone and therefore the intent of a message.