Put in any offer, even if you know it won't be accepted, it will get you used to your systems, and learn negotiating skills for the real deal!  

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In my few experiences with DNS inspectors I have seen various personalities, ranging from a mellow, open, and easy going inspector to the other side being a "fight the system" I hate this job but it feed the family type.

Neither apply to the fact that taxpayers are being penalized for reasons that are not as they are intended and a system that is stacked against honest hard working citizens, because the financial risk of pursuing the correct outcome is too high.

The best asset you can have is knowledge, you really won't have that until you learn real estate instead of systems or niche approaches of dealing in real estate, that's not an education, it's simply information. :) 

The place doesn't even have a functional septic system and is in very rough shape (I plan on $100K in reno) so I am not sure how they are going to move in let along get financing for it. 

So in hindsight, I guess it's a good thing that I never bought any of the "systems" they were hocking.

However, you reach a point where you start paying a premium for the installation, as roofers have to use jacks & tethers to stay on the roof.Since a good quality, well installed flat roof system - even those installed 20-years ago - should have had a usable lifespan of 20-years (modern systems, well installed, should be expected to last 30 - 40 years), I would seek a new roofer.  

Anything that constitutes a major inconvenience to the tenant, such that a reasonable court would find one negligent for not addressing quickly, constitutes an urgent maintenance need.Example of the former: leaking water, gas, exposed live electrical wires, smoking in electrical panel, dangerous leaning tree, etc.Example of the latter: poor heat performance of heating system; clogged gutters overflowing causing basement dampness; etc. 

Put in any offer, even if you know it won't be accepted, it will get you used to your systems, and learn negotiating skills for the real deal!