I'm a firm believer that networking is the key to the unknown since its not what you know but who you know that can bring you success.

A lot of times this market is served by an extended stay america, it may be hard to break in when you are an unknown entity. 

Owner pays utilities for 2nd & 3rd floor apts. 2 furnaces & electric boxes.Rents 1- 2 bdm 1 bath = $4001- 1 bdm 1bath = $3001- 1bdm 1 bath = $285$985 / 2 = Net $492PITI 27K @ 9% for 20 years = $359Cash flow = $133 / 3 = $44 per unit.The unknown here would be the cost of utilities and could certainly turn this into a loser real fast.

Too many unknowns and liabilities and they won't even let you look at it.

This is a good example of why lenders don't like to allow assumptions as they can lose or limit thier security interests through future transfers, unknown to them.

When I try to do that, it says unknown publisher and can't get past it.

Rent a place and and make somebody's pockets bigger, but not mine.Since future income is unknown I'm trying to avoid a monthly payment, I realize taxes and insurance will never go away but unless the property produces money I'm hesitant to borrow any money.  

(elderly owners limited viewings)  From speaking with the listing agent, the only 'known' issue is 'bow' in the living room where a grand piano has been sitting for many years and the home is dirty.AC unit replaced 2000, unknown age of roof.Finally to my question, I've read J Scotts book, but I'm not 100% comfortable with the estimating part.  

Somebody wanting to sue for you backing out of a bad deal or accusing you of selling them a property with defects like unknown termite damage).

There are a lot of what if's or unknowns in play in this scenario without much more detail it's hard to give an answer.