Do you have the opportunity to visually inspect the property before start the purchase process?

The windows are in visually poor condition and allow moisture between the panes. 

I have driven several neighborhoods, identified distressed properties visually, then found the tax billing address for owner occupied properties and because the property has been abandoned the postal service is returning my yellow letter.  

He felt comps were higher about 10k than estimated by Zillow and Realtor.com and raised his valuation another 10k on visual walkthrough.

I would not give up hope but I would financially & emotionally plan on it being empty for an extra month.On the west coast you are not fighting against weather, just against busy-ness and distraction of the holidays.But I would argue that many people want to look when they have more down time the week between Christmas and New Years, if your PM is working. 

CASE LAW: California case law imposes a duty to disclose known material defects and a duty on agent to conduct a reasonable visual inspection of the property and report the findings of their inspection to the buyer. 

If they aren't, then you will want more visual aids.

Second, fixing the lead hazards to pass the visual inspection such as scraping and painting windows.

@Carson Wilcox This was really great to follow along; super appreciate the visuals and high level of detail.I'm also in Northern California and am currently engaging a seller on a potential seller finance deal in Solano County.  

A "beautiful remodel" by my definition means that all aspects both visual and behind the scenes were done to code, in professional workmanlike manner and I have a big feeling some flipper slapped lipstick on this pig which has all kinds of hidden major defects that are not really hidden based on your photos.My answer would be hell no.