Maybe an attorney or experienced agent could have uncovered this problem before the sale.

It is the only true way to uncover the "true" tenant behind the ""potential" tenant that was presented to you.  

Originally posted by @Vincent Crane:It just blows my mind that people are trying to flock to places like Ohio and Indy to buy deals, and talking about how hot cleveland and detroit are.... it's just not reasonable But the weather is so nice in the midwest

My original lender rejected the deal because for the last 50 years the home was used as a funeral home on the first floor with an owner-occupied residence above (they uncovered variances with the city indicating such).

It is sort of a tannish creamy color that looks great it kitchens, bathrooms and the entire house.The problem with gray is it does not look so nice in kitchens.

It's so nice to see all of these professional folks helping out beginners like me.

Most of them would entertain an unsolicited offer but you will have to do a significant amount of research to uncover who the owner actually is in order to deal directly with them.   

It seems B-L has a few nice streets, but a lot that aren't so nice. 

The client now has the option of a not so nice existing house or they'll have to cut the sq ft in half - profit gone.Always best if you can get those thigs done before you have to purchase. 

I think one thing you can do is identify a market where you may be able to uncover potential deals.