Isn't that a fair assessment?

The HOA just wants the current owner out so a new one can come in and start paying assessments.#3 They are just frustrated and want to do something.There also are some properties that are not upside down and it would make sense for a junior holder to FC.

Tons of pictures make for a good reminder after you've been through a dozen houses in one day.

Without more investigation, nobody is going to be able to tell you if this is a symptom of a serious problem, or if it's routine settling that is presenting a purely cosmetic issue.While you can take the safe approach and run away (like some others are suggesting), keep in mind that by doing so, you're giving other investors (like me :) an opportunity to swoop in and grab a great deal because we're willing to spend a couple hundred bucks on an engineer and then potentially negotiate the price down far below market value, even if the underlying issue isn't severe.If spending a little time and money is something you're willing to do in order to potentially get a great deal, then I'd recommend finding a good structural engineer and having him visit the property and make an assessment.

Main thing is they have a 3" port from the tank, as opposed to the traditional 2", the water flies out of there.Online reviews sometimes say their quality control is bad, but I've installed a dozen with no issues.

Most people here agree with this, have you noticed that your posts have not gotten a single vote while mine have gotten well over a dozen?

Podcasts and reading blogs here on BP is a great start for that, but there are obvious lessons in daily life you may be missing.IKEA has taken the U.S. by storm, and I'm sure you've been there a dozen times if there's one in your market, and if you haven't you need to go!  

@Paul Winka - The PE would discuss your needs, measure/assess the existing conditions, provide structural support options, perform the analysis, size the members, and prepare the plans.

Do you have HOA dues/assessments in that complex?

I have replaced dozens of water heaters and have a hard time believing they could do $600 of damage with a barbecue lighter or match.