If the tenant has a history of paying rent and stiffing others but they keep the place clean then who cares??

What's left is really minor a clean paint job is all it really needs. 

I love the UGLY properties that mustly need a good cleaning for my sweat equity.We invest for the long term as our goals are for early retirement in our early 40's.

However the mortgages are in the deceased name therefore those probably have to be paid off in order to convey clean and clear title,  Perhaps this is why the executrix is looking for $160k sales price from inheritor.???

I owned rentals for years, too much hassle for me to really grow, notes means no toilets to fix or cleaning units or ongoing maintenance, just sit at my desk on the phone.I didn't "make real money" holding notes, but in moving them through and refinancing them.

We then cleaned it up and have now had it on the market for just under 2 more months for sale.

If they agree, immediately write as strong of an offer as you can keeping it clean and simple (don't ask for items like; Title Policy etc.

I never noticed the odor before as we weren’t running the water upstairs other than to flush the toilet test run the washer/dryer or spot clean.

So you end up lowering your standard a little and have to settle for folks who ride the line.I am fortunate in that I currently have people who keep the places clean.

For a $700-800 tenant I would start by doing nothing, other than providing a very clean, well maintained, and safe living space.