However, many of these older buildings were originally designed to be heated by coal stoves/fireplaces in each room, or {later} fitted with coal-fired steam boilers.  

Sits on nice size lot with 2 car garage & has fireplace.

- love the white brick and fireplace touch

Did they give you the unit keys or leave them behind in the unit, such as on the kitchen counter or on the fireplace mantle? 

There is actually not a fireplace but at the base of the chimney in the basement is a little door with ashes in it.

I would ask for a copy of the last 12 months of expenses (actual), a NY leases, the foundation condition, the major electrical/plumbing/HVAC, roofing condition, kitchen and appliances, bathroom(s), any heat reservoirs, any outside porches/patios/balconies, fireplace and chimney condition, window condition , exterior siding/brick condition, fencing.

Then when showing another person the front parlor, there was another of the wild ones taking the decorative gas fireplace parts out of the fireplace, pulling away on the gas line connected to the burner. 

When I used to be a tenant, my landlord had it in the lease that at the end of the lease for move out, the tenant has to hire a professional to clean the gutter, clean the fireplace, clean the carpet, etc.

Each unit is 2 bedroom, 1 bath and has a fireplace.

For every home I've ever bought, I've had a pest, property, roof, and fireplace inspection performed.Once the reports are returned, you can determine if you are ok with the condition (proceed with closing), not ok (exercise your contingency clause and exit the deal), or whether you want to negotiate certain items with the seller to have them fix and/or have them lower the price/give you a credit at closing to compensate you for doing the work.