Condition and size matter most.  

When I wanted to setup an LLC for my self-directed IRA for instance I used KKOS lawyers from the west coast because it's something they specialize in.I don't think you necessarily need to be local with those professionals unless you really want a face-to-face relationship. 90% of whatever you need will happen over phone or email anyway even if they're in town.

Is Baltimore a Tittle or lawyer state?

What you are outlining is that the information will be provided when in contract and the lawyers are involved. 

My question seems dumb - should we risk to buy a 1.5-1.7M newer SF and to be bound to the mortgage forever and work our whole life to pay for it, or should we buy a SF around 1.3-1.4M which has much worse condition comparing with the above?

There are no courts or lawyers with $50k invoices involved.

probate lawyers to get on their list

It depends on the size and condition of the porperty.Are you refering to Syndication?

Call and say "I'm calling about a house in 'city' I drive by it and it appeared to be vacant I'm wondering if u might be considering selling the house" then listenIf they ask what your offer is, switch the conversation to the condition and try to get as much info as u can get them to tell u about the house.

However, I know some CPAs take the position that if you are getting it into a condition to be rented out, and it is rented out that calendar year, then it was in service the whole time.In regards to whether you can deduct your own labor, in general no.