@Michael PlaksI’m not sure if you’re just trying to be controversial, but it’s clear everyone agrees this requires careful planning with a qualified professional.

If you ask the manager to justify a fee and he starts hemming and hawing, move on or require them to remove the fee.

Purchasing a “distressed” property and “repositioning” it requires significant capital for improvements, build outs, holding costs, maintenance.In looking for that “needle in a haystack” slam dunk great deal you’re competing with very knowledgable, greatly experienced investors with the cash to make no contingency offers and close in a few days.  

Whether you absolutely need to or not, I would recommend doing so regardless.

Nothing has changed for now.2024 update: We recommend eFiling for everyone, however starting this year eFiling is mandatory if you file more than 10 forms.2023 update: The IRS (finally!)

Your payment requirement would rule you out for us. 

Despite the guru fed “misinformation” about all these under market price deals, they are actually very rare and require (1) the investor recognizing value that the seller and the rest of the market misses or (2) a seller with a need for an immediate sale and a buyer with the CASH immediately available to conclude a very quick closing usually forgoing inspections, financing, and other contingencies. 

If you don't have a key, change the doorknob to an appropriate interior knob that doesn't require a key.I provide my tenants with keys to all doors.

Its great that the seller is will to carry a note in a seller 2nd as well, that will help reduce your require monthly payment with the right lenders.

There are legal requirements for disposing personal property left behind by a tenant.