We were hoping to purchase a primary residence in issaquah but just can’t justify paying $1mm+ for an outdated home built in the late 80s, 90s.

Since owners plan their sales around the enrollment season as well  you could also locate a potential seller early in the spring semester and secure an option for later in the spring after move out date.  

If you are working with a realtor and looking at MLS deals, then the majority of what you'll look at are bank owned REOs, but there are also sellers out there looking to sell their outdated home - these can potential be good deals as well.

Last week we saw the one of the four units (supposedly the “worst unit” which only appears outdated).

It should sale anywhere between $60,000-$80,000 hard to get a better number since houses that are selling are out dated.

@Jackson Sandland Tax assessments could be outdated.

Their flood maps are outdated, the program is out of money, and premiums most likely do anything but increase.I generally advise my clients to avoid properties in flood zones due to insurance prices.However, flood insurance from private markets are now available in less hazardous flood zones...If it is in an AE flood zone, I’d explore with private market flood options.

I saw that there had been a lot of neglected repairs and it was outdated, but normal for a little old lady's house.

Just outdated or a little trashed but I wouldn't have stopped and sent a letter based on the exterior appearance.... 

I really want to renovate that unit as im losing 3-400 in rental potential by being outdated for the area.