Though I'm not emotionally attached, I just don't want to lose out on the inspection money.Any advise is greatly appreciated ...

Always let the math decide not your emotion.

Don't get emotionally involved, just rip the band-aid off and get him out ASAP.

You will have a hard time rationalizing someone into taking the emotion out of their decision making process.

It is easy to get emotional about a property and tenants as the owner operator so remember your initial goals when getting this investment property.

=)Most Southern Californians are perfectly happy purchasing their first piece of real estate to "achieve the American dream" or for another emotional reason.  

The provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks, so these animals are not considered service animals.

It should be less emotion driven and they can help you understand the market a little better. 

As a rule of thumb, if you're sitting at 70-75% cost  to value, you're in good shape.Buying properties like this should not be an emotional ride. 

Hilda, one approach that will help take the emotions out of the wayby not having to directly talk to the seller, find a good buyer's broker :)And in the meantime build a 720-800 FICO and get pre-qualified soyou're ready in case they don't want to do owner financing.IOW ALWAYS HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN in BUSINESS which is not personal...