Lives and life savings have been stolen.  

He's in an age and stage of life where he needs cash, not investments.He is fine with me replacing the tenant at market rate if that's what I need to do.

Needs all new cabintry, windows, doors, roof (has some life left), fixtures, fencing, some electrical and plumbing changes, and some framing/drywall due to termite damaged sill plate in areas.

when you're starting out, do you need, and are you likely to get, a life changing, home run deal on your first buy?  

I’ve come to think of this period of my life as my real world MBA, and view my laundromat as a fantastic starter business.

At this stage in my life, equity growth is more important than monthly cash flow.

I've done it twice in Reno, NV (now I have them both as long term rentals), and it's changed my life. 

I don't think those are bad things and sometimes the personal decision for your ideal life outweighs the "conventional hold forever" decision.You have options, that's the best place you can be.

., and based on previous life experience, I am confident somehow, somewhere, someday, I'll be able to use this information to my advantage.

Let’s break it down and explore how you might approach this idea, the challenges you could face, and ways to structure a deal that could work for both you and the landlord.Why the Landlord Might Be Open to SellingThey’ve moved out of state for health reasons and don’t have family nearby anymore, which might reduce their emotional attachment to the property.The idea of simplifying their life and pursuing something like sailing around the world suggests they could be open to letting go of the property if it helps them achieve their goals.With significant equity or potentially owning the property outright, selling could provide them with a substantial cash windfall to fund their future plans.However, their belongings on the property could signal hesitation to let go or simply a logistical barrier they haven’t addressed yet.