@Matt SpeerA nice strategy...203ks are powerful if you know how they operate.

We itemize under each category with specifics, here is an example from one of our move-outs:CREDITAmount held as Security Deposit: $800DEBIT Less Deductions for Missing Items: $3010 year lithium battery from smoke detector ($10)Seat cushion from kitchen bench ($20)Less Deductions for Damages: $170Patio – stain ($20)     Living Room – one broken window pane ($50)     Living Room – five inch spot on carpet from black sharpie pen ($50)     Living Room – one broken wand on blinds ($5)      Front Bedroom – one bent curtain rod ($5)Back Bedroom - door handle bent ($10)     Kitchen - cabinet drawer wood broken ($30)Less for Extra Cleaning $110Stove Top ($25)     Range Hood ($20)     Kitchen Sink ($20)     Ceiling Fan ($15)     Walls – extra cleaning of grime & pen marks ($10)     Floor Vents - debris in ducts ($10)     Outside Debris ($10)Less for Unpaid Utilities $12     Electric (changed by tenant too early, $12 for Nov 20 to Nov 30)[Credits $800 Less Debits $322 = $468]Total Due from Landlord to Tenant (Check Enclosed) $468

Most foreclosures in MA are power of sale, but there is a public notice process.  

I like to make sure that the house is up to date on electrical and plumbing, as well as avoiding possible surprise costs. but would rather find more investors and find quality deals at a steady rate.

Chill out with the power suit and fancy photography. 

theres city power but i think theres no city water so we'd have to drill a well and put in septic, too

I also had old non-grounded electricity, that I replaced...  

Here, all the negotiating power is on the seller's side... until you're in contract, at which point the balance shifts a bit to the buyer. 

I think one was an electric car company I haven't been keeping up with it as much as I probably should.

When evaluating properties be sure to make sure they include the basics like: Real Estate Taxes Insurance Gas & Electric Water & Sewage Repairs & Maintenance Unit Turnover Contract Services General & Administrative Payroll & Benefits Marketing & Promotion Legal & Accounting Landscape & Snow Removal Trash Removal Management Fee Reserves for ReplacementsThese items at the very least should be included in any competent underwriting of a property, be it by a broker or the owner directly.