I have faced similar problems in other areas , for ex , I wanted to find a nutritionist/doctor who can help with tweaking my food and suggest supplements to resolve my insomnia and some mild depression i was experiencing around 7 yrs ago .

In our deals we have done together, it is somewhat of a "brain and braun" dynamic, with me being the braun, that we use to cater to our clients needs.

You have to live there  , make it your legal address , clothes , food , mail , drivers license etc .  

This is really good food for thought as I negotiate further. 

Tell him you don't think the property with needed repairs and at current rents is worth more than X, but "I'm new and I might not be analyzing the property correctly" - cater to his ego a bit.

If you were to be transported out of your kitchen and into the jungle where you needed to hunt your food before you could cook it would you survive?

I happen to be partial to Syndication deals because yes one of my companies does syndicate and two because I have found for the busy professionals that we cater to it fits their lifestyle. 

It had a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, a kiddie area, and a retail space for selling both food and water related items. 

Just some food for thought when planning.

That cat food sat in the same spot 24/7, and a bowl of water.