NUmber one due diligence is go to see the property and flush a toilet.

Like toilet clog due to action figure being flushed down? 

I flush grease down the sink with hot water. 

Also, with the new laws regarding permits (on those homes where you had the "handy men, and do-it-yourself sellers) and energy efficient things such as low flush toilets; be prepared to do your homework if you don't have an agent.

I have installed one or more water closets not exceeding 1.6 gallons per flush.

My earnest money offers are never more than $1,000. 15 grand is a lot of cash to tie up unless you're really flush with money.

The owner was very dishonest and eventually my attorney flushed everything out.

@Al Williamson  The most obvious con is 'No electricity No Flush' . 

In general, I prefer as small a down payment as possible, but that has to be weighed against other factors, like paying PMI (flushing cash down the toilet).

In the same bathroom the toilet was not hooked up to any sewage and just flushed onto the ground.