They exist to show title defects and offer title insurance.

Hi@Patrick Philipyou should check with the city for code violations open or expired permits and municipal liens.some title companies does not consider those as title defects and wont order it. ask them first before you start doing your research.also drive around the area, call Realtors signs ask to see these houses , ask questions about the price , days on the market and how much are the owners flexible on the price.

In the paperwork from my attorney's office they recommend a survey, specifically they say if you do not, you may be prevented from learning about any title defects or encroachments.

@Ross TramplerIf you want an owner to allow you to lease with option, see houses for sale and for rent on Craigslist in SE NH and NE Mass, it is expensive as I grew up in Boston, Try to get market rent and a new appraisal and a property inspection to find defects.

But instead just bring defects to their attention and use that as leverage to get a better price.

This isn't a material defect to the property this is a new outside event that has occurred at the property while the new owner owns it.

I always just go to big box store, looking for customer returns with minimal cosmetic defects.

. :) RCW 59.18.070Landlord—Failure to perform duties—Notice from tenant—Contents—Time limits for landlord's remedial action.If at any time during the tenancy the landlord fails to carry out the duties required by RCW 59.18.060 or by the rental agreement, the tenant may, in addition to pursuit of remedies otherwise provided him or her by law, deliver written notice to the person designated in *RCW 59.18.060(14), or to the person who collects the rent, which notice shall specify the premises involved, the name of the owner, if known, and the nature of the defective condition.

You could buy property with defects and file QTA to offset claims.

I'd bet that a percentage of these properties are over priced, but others may have other "defects".