your major things to look at is your furnace / hvac unit, how old is it, ask if there has been repairs to it and how often ( if repaired every year for something, that's a sign it's not good) hot water heater, how old is it -  your roof, find out when it was installed, does it look worn  - Appliances, how old are they  - kitchen cabinets, need replacing - siding, any damage, rot - interior floors, broken worn, do they need to be replaced - bathrooms, would you want to use them, do they need replacing - painting, interior, exterior - plumbing, any signs of leaks - foundation, any cracks. i have an inspection sheet for tenant move in/ out on the site: https://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/kidsalot/... that was PDF or if you want it for OneNote: https://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/kidsalot/...which you can probably use to check out a house before you buy that goes room by room. or this simple property inspection list in one note: https://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/kidsalot/...or excel: https://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/kidsalot/...

I know someone that got their liscence and started last year in June at Keller Williams and just found out that he had to go back to uber driving because it is so dry.

Once the dust settles,  the money spigot dries up and the window of fame has closed, they will surely be disappointed. 

But, MLS does not have any recent sales of that type of house with all the copper stolen, a leaking roof, rotted carpet and wrecked out cabinets. 

That porch probably has some rot in it.

I want to avoid triggering due on sales, but also want to keep my powder dry. 

I would think, if there was a break in the line, the water would run along the line downhill to the meter, which is dry.

My biggest advice is a) get a professional to do it b) follow the instructions line by line c) make sure and let it dry and put multiple coats.

It's listed at $115k, but was built in the 1800's, needs a new roof, has water damage in the upstairs ceiling and while I was standing outside on a completely dry week the sump-pump in the basement kicked on.  

The only area of the basement that stays dry is the corner where her things are stored.