You could have a multifamily where you pay heat, electric, water, garbage, lawn, snow and repairs happen every month, with vacancy once a year.

Thus, the units were super clean and was easy to manage.  

So I started looking and within 2 months bought my first Short Term rental that I manage myself over airbnb and have a team to work the cleanings and maintenance.

I may do a new roof ( I have a roofer will do good work and charge me a deeply discounted price - (close friend of mine) Of note and the last question is - the electric meters were not present and I called the elec company and they told me that the esid's were retired and the meters removed.

Cleaning expenses are also typically higher on an STR but again that cost is typically past on to the guest.

Ask a real estate attorney for the state you are considering.But, here are some costs:Unpaid principalArrearslegal fees of the pre-foreclosurehome owner's insurancemoney to the seller for movingmoney to the real estate agent if one is involvedtitle insuranceescrowpre-paidsunpaid property taxesunpaid 2nd loan if it existsunpaid electric billsunpaid water billsunpaid gas billsunpaid mechanics liensunpaid fines for city violationsdeferred roof maintenancedeferred maintenance in generaldumpster to get rid of everything left behind

There are a number of factors to consider; how long your brother has owned it, value of the property, type of building and specialty options (charging stations for electric equipment, etc.), fencing and security systems, and numerous other factors. 

We've come up with some alternative solutions like they clean out all their personal items from the basement and garage in a short time period as well as stop smoking inside (heavy heavy smokers).

You better bet the accountant documents everything 10 ways from Sunday, and cleanly to boot.

When this is all cleaned up wait 45 to 90 days before applying for loans.