Maybe thy are trying to soften a little. :)

Second, I was concerned that they would move out and take the oven/water softener/light fixtures etc. with them and say 'those weren't part of the deal'.

All of those installed are on softened water systems so the p.a.

The other offers that came in before have softened the blow for you and actually may have the seller considering that their property is over priced.

My property manager, softened once we read the California's renters right and landlords responsibilities manual, that I got as a gift from my RE agent years back.We are leaning more towards taking this as a learning lesson and redefining our  expectations of the tenant through the renters addendum and addressing this issue when the lease expires.Yes, the Rental is in Southern Californiacomments???

So it sounds like no matter what we would bump into special assessments, but maybe the payoff timing for financing will soften the impact.

It's a good time to cash out refi and hold cash to acquire deals in markets once they hit bottom (most markets are past their peak and softening). 

This could continue the income stream for several years (as long as you wish to write the contract for) and soften the taxes for the sale.

Buy a three flat and get your tenants soften the blow. 

If you're in an area where the prices are starting soften a tad, then may want to be careful.