See the wall that comes out from the right - simply extend it across to the left and put a door in it.It would look normal, visually, and then everyone could use that storage closet under the stairs - perfect place to store winter clothes and stuff, X-mas decorations, etc.A non-load-bearing partition wall with a door in it to the downstairs "bedroom" should be pretty cheap. 

Typically I would have held and waited it out, but luckily I liquidated because I was planning to buy some additional properties and am now sitting on a lot of dry powder actively looking for deals.I believe the rational for not selling might be the same dynamic behind buying for monthly cash flow instead of buying based on speculative appreciation.

Prior to the walk-through, be sure to set expectations for you having the visual access you need. 

A smaller local investor that is looking for less risk via a partner seems possible, just not sure how the dynamics of the partnership would work. 

have a physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities—including, but not limited to, hearing, mobility and visual impairments; chronic alcoholism (but only if it is being addressed through a recovery program); mental illness; mental retardation; being HIV-positive, having AIDS or AIDS-Related Complex

I bought a court house steps in Beaverton and the house next door was in very poor shape etc.. seller would not sell or fix up .. his wife passed in the house and he is just leaving it like that until he pass's people have all sorts of reasons.In an area of Charleston were i am building new construction infill.. its pretty dynamic.. the area was historically 90-% or better African American and now the millennial have invaded a lot of the people living there dont like to see their neighborhood change and the demographics change or a feeling of being pushed out.. these are real feelings folks have. 

Again, this decision is heavily informed by the market dynamics in your market, and your own ability to afford a month or two of mortgage payments.  

For instance, I am replacing a heater filter today in one of mine - when I do this I will also conduct a visual inspection of all plumbing and electrical as a courtesy to my tenant.

I appreciate you adding links for me to visualize these things.

There's a whole weird dynamic with most inherited tenants beyond what people think of.