My property in Richardson has an ancient system. 

Moisture / water / mold, knob & tube wiring, foundation issues, ancient plumbing, rust on the breaker panels, termite tunnels, powder post beetle damage, cedar post supports, improper footings, temporary lally columns, etc.As to writing an offer, that's a sensible and common approach. 

If it's not termites and knob and tube wiring on this one, it's a bad sewer line and ancient furnace in the next one.

I did replace ALL the ancient dust coated hydronic baseboard heaters with new ones (got them 1/2 price).

@William MeroneThis day and age, checks of any kind are ancient and a waste.

I once had someone go through the roll-off and haul 3 dead water heaters out that had been in the basement, and an ancient dead central heating unit.

If ancient, maybe just roll with what was done and warn them for next time.

I have this image in my mind of ancient Rome and some dude knows a friend who needs to sell a feild fast...

I would rather see $150/door on a property with brand new mechanicals than $250/door on a property with ancient heating/electrical systems.

Who knows but if you are paying anything near a 6% commission, you are being fooled and lied to by an ancient model broker who doesn't adapt to marketing efficiencies.