If needed I can work through our channels to find a Homestyle lender in California, assuming that is the location of the property.Additional thoughts, you might not have the appraiser comment on the deficiencies, depends on how deteriorated. 

So while fixing a defect like an old roof keeps a property from having a negative mark to value and prevents further deterioration which technically improves market value, it doesn't add value in terms of higher rents or faster leasing. 

All the while, the home sits empty and continues to deteriorate and devalue.

That extra year will cost them another $5K in taxes and the risk of further deterioration of the property.

The house is in rough shape and continues to deteriorate so I wondered if I could try to scoop it up for rehab.Thank you!

Over time valves looses and in some cases pipes deteriorate allowing for steam to escape forcing system to be refilled.

Parents passed away years ago and older brother has continued to live there and has allowed the house to deteriorate.

The property is in disrepair and continues to deteriorate with weathered & rotting wood, broken windows and is in need of lots of rehab.

Although there are some properties listed on the MLS that will produce a return for a flipper, most are listed to high and to deteriorated to turn a decent return.     

With a cash flow negative property you have to do some kind of forward projection or the property will likely continue to deteriorate to the point that even free does not work.