My agent said the buyer walked because of a public nuisance judgement on the property that the owner didn’t have the cash to pay for.

Use your judgement. 

While I will admit...it had it's moments that some folks would say NOOOOO....I decided to move in the area because the apartment complexes being built were nice and affrodable (esp for college students) I lived there for 5 years (obviously after going against my schools judgement and announcements to the entire campus that the area was dangerous and ghetto) and I had no problems at all.

So much info is available now days on different website that you can use to make sound judgement.

I would say know your fair rent, and don't guess, make judgements on facts not assumptions.

On the flip side, if the judgement amount is for thousands, it showed this person will be a HUGE PITA and won't move unless legally forced.   

If this happened, your primary residence and other personal assets can become part of the settlement of a judgement.

To some agree, the “artful” ability of the underwriter investor or syndicator is the key - the value judgements made about assumptions is critical.

The best they could do is sue you for a judgement, and then try to collect.My adverse opinion about doing business with friends and family notwithstanding, please be fair to them and make sure they understand the risks.Best of luck to you, Dexter.

All we know is this:1 - The owner is selling2 - The roof needs replacing3 - The tenant is leavingNone of this tells us anything of value to pass judgement on what would make this a great deal or not since there are no numbers with dollar signs mentioned here.