And you're right @Jay Hinrichs  it's a 'bloody' great language!

The scenario you give above screams of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. 

They scream junk mail.

Does that mean they got a screaming deal?

It is not a game, no more than the stock market is a game, it's bloody, serious business.There is money to be made, usually not quickly, never easily and not by naifs.

and the backyard just screams for a deck and I think it would help sell the place to potential tenants while allow me to maintain a premium on the rent.

To be honest (without really knowing the rental comps) I don't know that you have a screaming deal here.If you can get it for sub $20k, you may be on to something.Edit: Sorry missed the part where the owner told you what needs to be done for repairs, you absolutely need to do your own due diligence on this, trust me.

I'll be honest and make the statement that I have absolutely no idea which markets are going to scream in value over the coming decade.

I wanted to jump up out of my seat and scream: GO TO BIGGERPOCKETS!

appreciate the support. ive been saving so hard for o long so I can buy my first property in almost cash, ive been starving myself, ive chosen to live in a warzone ive heard peoples screams as they have clutched there children as ive come home from school from drive bye shootings  I just cant wait. only like 8 more months or so till I can own one almost free and clear and I have a super stable rock in my life.