Do you think the higher return outweighs the risks (such as crime, vacancies, and maintenance expenses) when compared to a property in say downtown or midtown Sacramento which seems to me a pure appreciation play right now?

If they've owned it purely as a 2nd home then there will be no getting around a tax event upon sale.  

I thought of tile and stone but that is more cost to bare and I'm not on that kind of budget.Someone else mentioned going ahead and painting the book shelves and fireplace pure white and either leaving the mantle wood or painting it black to match the fireplace.

I know ice melt is very corrosive on concrete and driveways and I personally don't use it in my house - even though my driveway faces North and comes with all the wonderful joy of shoveling.

Of course, the other view is, it's purely a business decision. 

This is another reason I am running the project since it is purely a rehab and flip project to me.

I recommend the podcasts, as they are pure gold.

His contribution would almost purely be monetary but we both agree that I should have some of my own money invested as well.  

Ah, the joys of being a landlord.

If not, what the tenant agrees to pay an RE agent is purely their prerogative, you're not party to their contract, correct?