For a seller to intentionally build a low clearance deck to hide UST is major gamble on their end because if it is ever found they would have to remove deck. 

Oh yea never ever ever gamble on appreciation from a home

Negative cash flow is a certainty due to pricing and simply needs to be factored into the gamble.

or gambling .. 

RE is a gamble but it doens't have to be if the numbers are right.

As some of the other posters have mentioned, unless you can purchase a property at substantially below market, taking on negative cash flow means your play is either to profit with a flip (which doesn't seem to be your intention), or gamble on appreciation- and it is a gamble. 

What you're doing is called speculating (aka gambling) not investing...Unless this is a lakefront/beachfront property or has something amazing going for it - it makes a bad investment (just like 95% of houses out there) 

Its honestly a gamble as to which will have better appreciation.Do you prefer more rural or more urban? 

I am probably guilty of near reckless gambles in my life, so I hope you come through this to see some profitability.  

I recognize my gamble being that more rentals or single family homes are built than exists a need for.