When your offer is accepted and you open escrow and after you remove your inspection contingency ask escrow to addendum you off the purchase agreement and enter a agreed amount professional fee (finders fee) to be paid through escrow.Done!

I'm planning on buying a duplex living in one half and renting out the other so I can remove rent from my living expenses.

Trade the demolition labor and trash removal for 100% salvage rights.

It also allows for the removal of ad copy for non-payment.Jermaine,My first board.

I’ve even removed my dog from the apartment and took her to stay with a family member because I’m worried about her.

I think you'll come out ahead putting in standard double-pane windows and including the removable fabric style protective coverings when you sell.

He said something about a title search fraud or something, and that he had to remove a listing for 16 days for a home valued at $800k, he couldn't come up with better BS than that?

It's a double edge sword, remove a problem and buying yourself a new problem.  

I wanted to get the opinions of all the smart people on this forum on whether the rest of the stained drywall really ought to be removed (to prevent further problems, e.g. mold), or if it would suffice to just to let it sit for a little bit longer (i.e. to make sure any possible moisture is dried out)  before applying kilz and painting over it.

There is no apparent pain here for you to remove from their life.That being said, if the sellers would enjoy a superior steady income without the liability & management that comes with property ownership tenant, you can make a case for them to let you buy the how subject-2 their 1st TD.