If they are left behind by a tenant (and are in good condition), I'll leave them up, but otherwise the windows are left uncovered for the exact reasons you've already stated.

Downsides are: they park on the quiet street uncovered.

WorthQuiet, older neighborhood with lots of rentalsAsking price $48K, was marketed as a triplexI offered $30K cashDOM 7They countered $40K cash and a short closing date(10 days)I was able to do my own inspectionsDiscovered 4 kitchens and 4 bathrooms.Needs trees trimmed, roof, minor interior repairs and cleanup.Should be worth $80K-$100K when finishedI uncovered a city lien against property for grass cutting(they had to pay for)During title work a federal lien was uncovered(they had to pay for)We closed on the last possible day at 4:00pmObservations:I used a buyers agent to represent myself.

Labor-only bids will also allow you to compare apples to apples on GC bids related to specific tasks.If there are some unexpected repairs uncovered during the inspection, this is your opportunity to ask for concessions from the seller.

Simply checking with the local landlords (and seeing this done in my own market) quickly uncovers this.

Now, some states have different rules for whether HOA liens survive a foreclosure, and you will have to uncover what those rules are for the state where the purchase lies.

Those little things add up fast,,,and hidden must do's are uncovered every day.

And who knows what else you may uncover doing a new roof.

That may or may not be a new build, likely not.The beauty of buying the existing older home is that your inspection will uncover needed repair items and life expectancies of your capital items.

I'm not Rob, but I'll show you his answers that are already posted.http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/90852-tenant-screening-uncovered-duis-jail-time-etc?