I can let you know if it's ever been inspected and what to look out for.MA real estate laws say that you can't rent to a family with kids under 7 unless you have a lead certificate on file with the state and the anti-discrimination laws say you can't notrent to a family because they have a kid under 7 (even if it's because you know there's lead paint), so they basically made it so that any rental with more then 1 bedroom has to be deleaded.

Hopefully neither of you have allergies or sensitivities which can make things worse. 

It's very possible that her family came, saw all the trash, and only took a couple items like maybe medicine.

Incidentally, this is exactly the reason anti-subletting clauses are included in leases - too much drama.Justin

*IF* your analysis shows a cash flow at FMR, then anti-up for the down payment.

@Betty Cruz  At the risk of approaching anything close to Anti-Trust laws, I will offer some guidance but not really quote any specific fees for you.  

Our lovely "anti-eviction statute".

Even for the SHTF scenario that @Ian Ippolito eludes to, I think that booze and bullets would be a better hedge than Gold - and at least the prior has interim, medicinal utility while we're waiting...I hear the hype, I know folks that invest in Gold - I even own some, but perhaps I'm TOO practical - I just don't get Gold.Once you have it, how do you get rid of it?

This is an anti jump-and-dump rule.

I am very anti-guru.More than you need to know is available right here, just watch who you listen to.