The previous owner had a bunch of dogs, who ruined the carpets with urine & tried to eat their way through a wall in one bedroom.

The house is in ruins and the 95 year old owner is nowhere to be seen and I somehow doubt he filed for bankruptcy.

Please let me know if there any other other tips or hacks I can use to save money long term or tips to not to ruin my life during this process? 

I would agree with the majority on this not properly identifying the could ruin this deal from the start.

If possible, fix whatever if ruining your credit.

So I end up with almost no money and totally ruined apartment.

Aside from the personal grief of losing my father and best friend, I have also lost most of my money in this venture that was ruined by circumstance.

Renters are facing their own financial ruin and possible homelessness, and we are the ones who basically will be forced to eventually kick them out.

We want as little drama as possible after we sign the lease and this includes gang activity in the building.I would not be offended by the ink so long as it was not intended to be offensive.I like that so lets NOT defund our police  .. thats a  great service.. a couple gang bangers can ruin a property. 

I'm very disappointed that some ruin it for so many, investors, sellers, buyers and yes, brokers as well because they lose business and can't assist their clients in the best possible way, which is what it's all about.