@Sasha JosephsI say Buyer's simply because their criteria should serve as your compass for the type of deals you are looking for.

Do not waive that condition until the seller serves Notice to Sell and the subsequent Notice of Non-Renewal.

Originally posted by @Brandon L.

these are just a few.Do they have all of the security depositsLook at least 2-3 years of P & L statementsHas this owner that is retiring been involved daily and holding the owners hands, or does he have a staff to handle day to day?

Part of the motivation in the IRS serving levies is to bring the taxpayer into compliance (ie unfiled tax return 2014).

While viewing the home, I decided that I wanted to keep it for myself to serve as my primary residence for a few years.

While viewing the home, I decided that I wanted to keep it for myself to serve as my primary residence for a few years.

Hard money loans serve a great purpose and fill a BIG void for investors but for what you are describing it sounds like you should be able to do a conventional loan.  

But now that I think of it, would I be better served building a wooden deck over top of the concrete and hiding it?

They are very helpful for some one new to figure out the numbers such as COC, ROE, Cap rate... etc and gives you a better perspective on how best the numbers might serve your purpose.