Any law that tries to do otherwise conflicts with sb13 and ab2533 (unless the unpermitted units was created post dates of protection by those laws).i agree he should get it permitted especially if close to the price quoted, but issues due to unpermitted units that are protected be sb13 and/or ab2533 present minimal risk and if it does happen get HCD to assist in any issues. 

Usually an issue if older door is salvaged and new locks are installed that don't quite match up with the old door strike plate location.

The reason sellers cannot sell these properties through the traditional market is often due to certain issues, and 98% of the time, these issues are not beneficial to you as a buyer.

To plan investment and future rental goals in Albany, research market trends, explore financing options, understand landlord-tenant laws, manage property early, budget for maintenance, and connect with local investors.

Various repair issues, bad tenant, and now this issue.

You are micro-analyzing the minutia of each offering, but that's not really the issue.

I've been teetering around the idea of house hacking once I am done with college, but a big issue I have come across when speaking to a mortgage broker is the fact that I need to prove 2x of the mortgage in monthly income.

Every one of the owners he is under contract with will tell you to run from this builder (law suits in the works).  

They prefer the middle/southern part of the country because the laws are friendly and prices are more affordable.

Depending on what the issues are with the credit scores I might consider lowering my credit requirements.