Move into the triplex for two years and use IRS Publication 523 Sale of a Residence to not have to pay some of the Cap Gains when you Sell.

Recently we've found seller(s) to be increasingly receptive to concessions of up to $20k towards buyer(s) closings costs.

This should eliminate the homeowner (1) selling a property while remaining liable for the note (subject to), (2) tying  up his property with a “buyer” who has no intent to close unless he finds someone to pay a higher price (wholesaler), (3) paying above market rental for an option to buy that can never be exercised (4) purchasing a property from a fix n flipper who did shoddy rehab, (5) purchasing a property with nebulous legal title, (6) contracting for home improvement with a fly by night contractor who then puts a mechanics lien on the property and (7) “listing” with a wholesaler disguised as a Realtor who doesn’t put the home on MLS. 

The GIS site can also help you pull comparable sales if you want to submit comps yourself.

I need to go down to the property and go in as apparently he left some windows open that need closed.

I grew up in Newburyport which is close to the border. 

Perhaps worth comparing with something elseThey are using Rocket Mortgage and can close in about 17 days.

The agent will prepare a commitment with requirements for closing including a deed from the party the insurer believes is authorized to sign the deed and any supporting docs they need to be comfortable in issuing a title policy to you w/o an exception for your concerns.

If you know what you're doing and can stop the foreclosure you'll close a lot of deals. 

Possibly we could invest for appreciation only if it's close to breakeven with not too much negative cash flow and the upside appreciation is very promising.