if i were you, i would take a sample and have it tested just to have it tested. if it is mold, there are 18 different species of black mold and only 2 are toxic. that advice is coming from a licensed home inspector with a mold certificate. if it is black mold and is toxic, then you can remove it yourself, but protect yourself too. make it part of your offer. if the seller doesn't want to accept your offer based on the mold, then walk away. if you do not want the place because of the mold issues, would someone else want it?

I'm a Redfin real estate agent in Northern Virginia (about to move to Nebraska) is looking to build a investment portfolio myself.There are two kinds of ways to hang your license with Redfin - as an associate agent, paid on a 1099 contract basis per-task, such as showing homes, attending inspections, walk-throughs, etc.

Do a walk through at minimum if possible. 

Planning to walk the neighborhood this weekend to get a better idea. 

My wife and I still go back to the area about once a month for Sunday walks and lunch at "The Garage".

I would suggest considering teaming up with an experienced investor for your first project to walk you through the process.

You tilled and wheel barrowed all that dirt in 5 hours ............at your age . ( I am 53)I start chuckling and said there were no "guys" just me and walked him around back and he saw the tractor ,  Hell no , I like big toys .Then he tells me he was getting prices from landscapers in the $ 3000 dollar range and they told him it was a 3 or 4 day job.

They may walk common hallways and check out the basement but I have never had an insurance inspector look in the attic.

By this time, buyer's walked.

1) laminate floors that sound like you are walking with tap dance shoes on2) vessel sinks3) anything that is painted "faux" style4) open floor plans (although I think this is still 2-3 decades away from becoming an undesirable floor plan) I have wondered for years what will replace SS appliances.