Go over every single inch of the home.  

No tall grass above the tank or indications of leaks.

1: The house had really appreciated since I purchased it (not a good reason), 2: The neighborhood might be transitioning to being a better area, though it is one of the lower grade neighborhoods in this city( a Toss-up), 3:The house has a big problem- 1 bed 2 baths on the main floor and 2 beds in a basement with 6 ft 2 inch ceilings and a beam down the middle.

I had a fairly severe leak in my kitchen in a bi-level in Dearborn Heights, and I put a yard of topsoil starting 6 inches deep at the side of the house and dropping 1 inch per foot away from the house.

I'm guessing you want to raise the floor 6-8 inches?

I thought she was making up a tall tale and in reality  got into a argument with her boyfriend and someone kicked it. 

(If all of the above seems like a tall order, I'd be interested in hearing that feedback also.)

Then everything you've done would be copacetic and you won't have to worry about paying back taxes on recaptured depreciation that wasn't taken.But that may be a tall order for a cpa or attorney to pull off given your mom is paying rent.

They will sell to someone who waives it.Your best bet is to walk the house before making your offer and spend a lot of time looking at every inch of it.

@Wade WilliamsHi I realize this is an old post but hope to tall to you about it anyway.