The owner was motivated and the market was tanking.

Do you have reserves if you are wanting to be at a distance and do your own thing- like opps the hot water tank blew up and ruining the downstairs kitchen, and its going to cost you 5k, or 50k depending on lots of variable.Lots of questions to ask yourself, before even seriously looking for a property.

However, it turns out there was a previous offer that fell through due to a septic tank issue.

That better be an amazing discount you're getting at the bottom of the future crash.You're worried about the market tanking.

You have costs that go up and even if you didn't have expenses this year, eventually you will need a new roof, furnace, hot water tank, etc. 

Ethical standards for sharks, only doing business with those who can't tread water for an hour might be appropriate LOLNo, really, good to hear Don, it's an area that has lacked ethical and professional standards historically.

VT even passed an oil tank inspection law the other year and just like that, I had to replace 3 tanks at $2,000 each!

Annually we:clean the gutters, check the downspouts, clean the HVAC system of any debris, check the laundry dryer vent line for debris, check under all sinks for any leaks,drain hot water tanks, test smoke alarmsI'm not sure why the tenant is asking about regular maintenance unless she thinks you're not maintaining the property? 

This was and is still a learning experience in septic tanks, water meters and what companies handle what.

well they ignore simple math and the gold standard of owning location, location.I can sell a house in the “A “in a few days maybe hours, when sh. hits the fan market tanks may take weeks.