But to me it isn't obvious whether the existing appliances can be depreciated on my taxes since they weren't explicitly purchased (i.e. they weren't itemized on the purchase contract) by me when purchasing the bldg but they were included when I took ownership.And if the answer is yes the existing appliances can be depreciated then does that also apply to other non-appliance items such as the bldg roof or the 3 furnaces in the basement that are used by the first floor storefronts?

If it is called a security deposit, we can use it for any number of scenarios upon move-out, such as unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, unpaid fees, missing items and damages.We set a base amount for each unit, depending on the size and type of unit. 

If only for resale then it doesn't.Dealers do have a higher threshhold to show intent simply because your normal model is to buy to sell.  

Once you know those two items you can determine how much you can pay for it.

It might be worth offering to take care of any remaining items in the house after they've cleared out the items of value they want from the house.  

You will have extra expenses on things like taxes and other items you did not expect but as you add properties those costs will drop per property as they tend to be static.

I like the business model, but am curious why no one is discussing the risks/potential downsides of the industry and what they are.  

At that point you would have three items 1) your adjusted basis 2) your depreciation recapture (25% tax IIRC) 3) your gain (taxed at 15-20% IIRC).Your basis throughout the years will change as you decrease it by taking depreciation, and increase it when you perform improvements which will then be depreciated.

There are several different ways to go about this and a ton of great posts, member blogs, BP blogs, BP podcast, books which cover this topic in great detail so I will just provide you a few terms to search and you will find all the information you could ever want right here on BP.1)  Wholesaler - You are right if you could find a great wholesaler this could provide you a steady stream of properties which could be a good input into a fix/flip model.2)  Motivated Sellers -  If you want to dive in you can start looking for the motivated sellers yourself but this is not a easy endeavor.  

@Colleen F.has posted some items to consider with respect to consideration for the occupants.