Step up to the plate for not.Seriously though, REOs can be very profitable because of the tough buying conditions.  

Needs more decorating, lipstick and small details, like light switch plates.

Firstly...it is too much to keep up with than you already have on your plate..and sets up for disagreements.

In my opinion, it is time to step to the plate and play hard ball.

.  --  A balancing act, if ever there was one (remember the plates-spinning on the poles act on TV?).  

If I leave or find a home with a garage foundation with just the sill plate I can rebuild/repair a new one the same foundation no matter where it is on the property (regardless of zoning) in most cases.

Unfortunately, that is generally easier said than done, the market right now is saturated with sellers who think their homes are gold plated and the fewest number of motivated sellers I've seen in years.

Turned out the dishwasher was too old (couldn't get replacement kick plates), the beautiful stainless gas stove / micro set I picked up for a song that worked at the sellers home, somehow were trashed when we went to install them.  

Find the sill plate on foundation to check for water damage, drainage issues, or wood destroying insects. 

Right now I have 3 other deals on my plate that I still need to analyze, all pocket listings.