Also, the whole 'can't check for leaks' aspect is a recipe for unhappy surprises, especially since it's clear there is water damage alreadyNow, all that being said, if you are looking for a property you can fix up and then rent or sell, and the seller is willing to drop the price to a level where your rehab costs won't destroy your returns, that's another thing.

This will destroy the value of the properties. 

If you're wondering why I took that one month down time it was because the tenants destroyed the apartment.

In addition to the cost savings in demo, you also have the advantage of being able to see behind the walls to know what the electrical/plumbing is like, if there is moister or cracks in the walls/foundations, and if there is an wood destroying insect damage.  

B" Tenant = Decent Credit, Pays on time most of the time, doesn't completely destroy the house"C" Tenant = Bumpy Credit, When rent is due you're biting your nails wondering if the payment is coming, you have to occasionally keep them in line and they require more interaction"D" Tenant = No thanks......

This house will be destroyed if I let this go on, so I want to ask them to leave.

What if they are slobs and destroy the house?

I was a winning bidder and was very surprised that the unit was not destroyed inside, but mainly needs new flooring.   

And so is destroying any of the architectural charm of the place - interesting dilemma. 

Liz.Take each deal with tenants in them one at a time and budget for an eviction.Some of these tenants may not be as great as you think.They may destroy your property or stop paying rent if they find out there is a new owner.