Going into empty houses may even raise the alarm bells in these peoples mind.

My "wishful thinking" alarms go off on that one.

I got a quote from a painter for $4700, and Furnace for $3300, Refri $1100k, Stove $800, dish washer/microwave/disposal $550, refinish hardwood floor and starway $2500, Kitchen Cabinet $2400, counter top $400, lighting $500, security alarm $400, landscape $1800, bathroom wall and floor tiles,Kitchen vinyl floor plus laundry room tile total $1200, refinish bathtub $500, New windows $800, new doors 2 of them $250, toilet+vanity $700,Kitchen and bathroom faucet $260, all new locks $300, roofing(patch up garage) $250, all other materials such as concrete(patch up drive way) sheetrock and others $2000. total $24710.Plus I am paying my contractor $200 per day to remodel the kitchen and bathroom with some plumbing and electrical works.

And the Verizon box call started with... your fire alarm is beeping..

Just make sure you do a comprehensive screening of them and as long as nothing alarming shows up, I'd say you could go for it.  

This is how he kept from tripping the alarm.

At this point, my BP opportunity alarm starts going off and I ask him about it - it's a 2BR apartment in a multi-unit building in Vero Beach.  

Then you will be the evil thief who stole their house.2) Are they wanting to do some sort of repurchase agreement?

I have considered that, i just figured this would certainly alarm the lender and yield a greater chance of them calling the loan due. any thoughts?

I'll definitely keep you posted.There are already two means of egress for each of the three apartments right now, plus there are already hard wired fire alarms which is good.