Clearly, I knew about this but did not know the extent of the problem, and I did not push to get bids before the inspection resolution was complete.

The first thought and question that comes to my mind is if you had an inspection before your purchase. 

Now it's the next Friday, I'm chasing the company down to get the final inspection on the rental done and request to talk to the manager to finalize the discount we're going to get.  

During the inspection period, I discovered 2 of the other units were 4-8 months behind on rent.

As you figure out leases, advertising, inspections, all the little annoyances you can add a property or two...or duplex as Greg suggested...and with inflation and debt paydown it slowly becomes well worth your time.

You need to know what exactly is there and if it has value (the contract, the person's electric bills past two years, and an inspection of the batteries/panels/and roof).

With earnest money paid and inspection completed the inspection revealed some roof issues.

Likely the kitchen will need to be inspected and brought up to current code. 

AFter a day or two thinking about it, they accepted the for sure close deal for less money but did not have to wait longer, did not have to list and have many people through their property, did not have to deal with inspection contingencies, request for repairs, appraisal, etc.

The property failed inspection due to a ton of mold and water damage.