I would spend the $5500 to replace the sewer line hoping that eliminates the problem (after scoping/ hydrostatic testing) but it's in by budget.Am I nuts? 

I can see collective water in a multi-plex, but paying for tenants electricity is just nuts, especially in TX, where they'll run the A/C 24/7 because they aren't paying for it.  

The fact that the escalation was $111k and then $87k when you asked for invoices is nuts. 

If they’re nuts and asking for $1 million (just pulling a number out of the air) then it might not be worth doing too much diligence.

@Russell Brazil  I have looked all over Mass, but the prices vary wildly, dropping quite a bit as you look west of I-90.  

So 3 properties in less than a year, my husband thought I was nuts, but once you get into it...it can be addicting.

@Russell Brazil  if it's in the best instrest of the seller understandable it seems it is in the best insterest of himself and his commission . 

Russell Brazil yeah I'm definitely considering that it's just such a good deal she practically giving me the house for free.

@Russell Brazil, Good point re: market rates.

About me: originally from Brazil, I have been in Silicon Valley for the last 18 years, my career has been in technology, specifically in sales, and after having hours upon hours of conversations with a friend who is a real estate investor for the last 20+ years, we came to the conclusion that real estate is the best and safest return for your investment.