Meanwhile you are stuck footing the bills... 

I paid $165,000 for the 1600 sq foot home and I'm assuming I will have to put at least half that much into repairs as there is severe damage to floors and walls as well as black mold.

As I have not set foot in that house nor tried to make any action to live and repair the property per adverse possession.

A lot more comes down to price per square foot than people outside that area understand. 

You should be able to build an entirely new deck with concrete footing for less. 

Normally soil compaction is not an issue, but you might need a test done.13. 

In Italy, they just don't have the parking space normally. 

Any estimates on price per square foot for standard 3 flat, no basement and basic finishes -3 beds 2 baths?

I feel like a condo would allow me to: 1) Get experience and my foot in the door with little capital.2) Protect me from getting wiped out by an unknown capex expense.3) Potentially house hack.4) Not feel bad about burning money on rent. 

The request for 2% to cover closing costs seems fairly normal especially if they are more than ok with paying asking price.