The repairs were painting the entire unit for $1,650, a ceiling fan she claims was broken for $125, a stove filter for $170 and cleaning the unit for $320, she also has small items like a door hinge.

Usually the payoff from lender will provide an itemization of HOA (if applicable), PITI, Attorney Fees, and all other fees that will drive up that debt.Is the title still in seller's name, if not, it will have to be reinstated in seller's name.This is but a fraction of what you will have to deal with when dealing with preforclosures.On the surface, it sounds promising, but there has to be more time, so the clock will have to be stopped by a TRO or Bankruptcy or even a possible contract from buyer.Could you pay what is in arrears and try and modify the loan?

I understand that an itemized list of damages will be sent to me within 30 days." and have him sign it using his agreed move out date.

I thought the courses were great, very detailed and your wife can work at her own pace.

No biggie, I'll just add it to an itemized list and take it out of their security deposit. 

If I was you , I would ask my agent to provide 3 or 4 comp nearby (with in 5 mil) with detail expense so to  analyze. 

if current owner has a detailed move in inspection, then I would go based off that.

From what I understand outstanding tax liabilities (even with IRS and not just property tax) are another big ticket item that you have to be careful of.  

Can I requests further documentation for line by item for maintenance cots?  

But, remember, your basic assumptions should have a reserve for OpEx (routine maintenance stuff) and CapEx (larger ticket items that are depreciable).