They crave social acceptance and have a deep-seated need to be surrounded all the time by others who encourage them in their way of thinking, whatever it is.But getting back to the specific thing you asked...no, you won't get a chance.

It's been vacant for a few years. no radiators. the plumbing pipe condition unknown.I contacted 3 HVAC contractors. 2 recommeded mini splits. 1 suggests gas heat pump.I found some discussions on BP about mini splits with favorable experience.

I kind of fell off of the forums for a while, but I'm trying to make it a habit to replace other social media with Bigger Pockets. 

As long as you are a realistic buyer as to your local market conditions (IE if its an appreciation market a la San Francisco, you aren't looking for 20% value-add c-class deals), then you should be able to get a property under contract QUICK, and as such there is no reason to start looking this far ahead.

I will be getting more details on the condition and the income / expenses soon and will share then!

The listing only has a single exterior photo and the bank priced at $300k and it appears they are not aware or factoring in the interior condition.

This would really depend on the zip code, price and condition.

The roof condition will make it difficult to get a traditional mortgage, whereas I have talked with some local credit unions who do a “desktop underwriting” value of the house when they run the numbers for a HELOC.  

*The deposit is required immediately following the signing of the conditions of sale.

It depends what the housing stock is and what condition it is in.