The house was filthy - I mean really filthy - and stank of cigarettes and dog....oh, did I mention the two pit-bulls that prevented a thorough walk-around of the property?

@Shawn Root I got the owners name from the county records.

I explain to them in very simple terms .IF ITS TREE ROOTS its my problem ...  

The Money maker in me tells me to make sure he pays up what he owes so I can get closer to a no money down deal.I don't want this to threaten the deal as I know this will help him out and prevent him from defaulting and also I will gain access to a very nice property with 400 - 500 income potential a month.So lets hear it fellas who should I listen to .

- Submeter all-bills paid units- Put in a RUBS program to charge tenants back for utilities that aren't separately metered- Standardize the paint, carpet, vinyl, countertops, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, appliances, etc. for each unit- Replace old windows with vinyl windows- Have American Leak Detectors or another such company look for any water leaks, which are not uncommon- Allow cats (maybe pets, but it could be a mess) at least at apartments with no common areas as long as the tenant pays a nonrefundable pet deposit and monthly pet rent (say $25/month)- Perform preventative maintenance (i.e. changing furnace filters and checking for leaks), don't rely on the tenants to do it.- Pay a little extra for a really high quality sign, which will increase the attractiveness of the apartment

However, it might not be a normal build, walls and support first, additional temporary support if necessary, rood next, then all interior, this prevents rain delays, but it might cost a little more and the additional work delays the timeline.I wish there is a problem like this in LA.

let me start at the bottom of your post, as I read it I never felt as of your BS meter had even been activated.I have listened to countless podcasts, several webinars and have been rooting through the forums.

It will prevent costly mistakes as you get started.  

A 'funding portal" will be open to non accredited investors to invest in startup companies and they will first screen the startup company to prevent fraud before allowing the offering to go live on the site. 

Count me in as rooting for you to be really successful on this third flip of yours.