You mention that he's hard to get in touch with.This might become very important halfway or more typically 3/4 of the way into the job, when the handyman decides it's time to drop off the earth for three months.You can also expect that the handyman will want to be paid proportionately or ahead of time as he completes work.

@Justin Yurong  You mentioned you're near the end of escrow, but typically inspection is usually the first contingency released. 

There can however be multiple firms at that location.The other thing is you mentioned your a PB, you should consider doing all your post licensing, become a full Broker because then you can be the Qualifying Broker and hold the Firm Lic.

@Jack B.From just a few things you mentioned, seems like this is a disaster waiting to happen.No real comps to speak of (I wouldn't count just the 1), not to mention it was $50k less.Tenants who are suspect. 

I think it is funny how people think the realtor is acting shady when the OP is trying to wholesale a deal about to be listed by a realtor...As mentioned - $5k is not a realistic number, houses aren't listed $50k-$65k under "appraised value" becaue they only need $5k of work. 

@Jim Webster @Jonathan Pflueger yes, definitely something else going on...I'm a licensed MLO here in CA (nmls 1503643) I've mentioned before that lenders have "over-lays" which are extra guidelines, and it sounds like you are only getting one opinion, maybe not the correct one. 

Avoid Morris invest Thanks for the mention Caleb,Much appreciated

If you haven't I would recommend it, it'll answer all your questions and get thinking more than the AARP mail you mentioned.

Possibly Texas, Ohio, Florida or Louisiana to mention a few.

You mentioned that the judge just released the house to be sold.