Like@Brandon Battle posted, a good contractor should have a good suppliers list, where they generally pay for wholesale price.

it is an amazing resource.If you ever want to tag someone in a post (like I did for you) to alert them of your response just type @ then start typing their name and it eventually a box will pop up by the @ for you to click.The podcasts are AWESOME and the site also has  in-depth guides for new investors and their are so many beneficial blog posts as well too numerous to mention.  

Jonathan Johnson , I think you could use some serious help from a more experienced investor who understands what to look for in a deal like this.You should consider finding a partner or selling this opportunity to them for a nice profit.There is no reason for you to see the apts unless you have a contractor with you who can show you all the numerous problems your inexperienced eyes may and probably are missing and exactly how much it will cost to repair the damage and decorate the property to modern standards.You are very lucky to have a potential seller with a fully paid off property because there is no bank loan to satisfy.You will be able to get a better price if they know they get to keep all the money and not pay off loans and real estate commissions.

The options for financing are numerous – do I need to lock down more clarity on where my money is coming from before I spin my wheels finding a deal?

I'm a local wholesale supplier for all types of properties throughout North Texas.

Hello @Jean Ambuehl and welcome to BPPersevere despite temporary setbacks.there are numerous stories to read of triumph over adversity and you can reach out to other seasoned investors who know the path

Or does he have to go get them from a supplier ?

According to the listing agent, they had numerous agents asking to see the condo after the storm cleared, our hard work paid off! 

We used to have Ocwen as a debt holder for one of our rentals with them and it was very difficult to discuss anything with them - I tried numerous times to discuss refinance opportunities with them since I was already a client but I ended up refinancing with PNC instead after a few years. 

Thanks for reaching out.I have been doing a lot of reading lately and plan on going through numerous of the books they have provided through Bigger Pockets.