I can't speak to what the conditions are like in NY, so take all of this with a grain of salt.

Being that it's a house on the waterfront, if this is on salt water and because it was built in the 40's, I would pay extra and get the most in depth inspection you can get.

I have lived my entire life in various parts of the Salt Lake Valley.

If we should still get agent does anybody on the forum recommend a good agent in Salt Lake City?

My father and I are visiting my brother in the Salt Lake/Park City area.

Either way, I take his appraisals with a grain of salt.

I'm also not extremely familiar with the shipping container concept so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. 

My wife and I live in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In the lease, it also states that they understand that now all liability lays on them, and that they will coordinate shoveling/salting/lawn maintenance if they cannot keep up with it within the city's requirements.

Many times the offer memorandum will have the population numbers on it (take them with a grain of salt), then use google earth to approximate the size of the competition.