You have to break out the purchase price into building and land.

If so, I would have him break out the Roof Framing/Sheathing Repairs value separate if possible.

I think of your proposition as tempting a Python by helping it wrap itself around me as many times as I can just to see  how many times a Python can be wrapped around me before I can no longer break out of its hold.

I wish taxes didn't make me break out into hives (metaphorically).

To consider an allocation to deduct the old roof you would have to do some research under the Tangible Property Regulations that would allow you to break out the remaining life from that portion of the building.

And you're going to have to break out that sq footage for income/expenses/and depreciation anyway. 

@Steve DellaPelleCan you do me a favor and break out the math on that?

If that doesn't work, it would be time to break out the pen and paper and start writing letters to multi fam home owners using the Harris County Appraiser's site.Good luck in your first deal!

For example, for Lancaster County, this is the breakout by home value for Absentee Owners with Equity

seems high from JUST closing cost perspective on buyer or seller side (escrow+attorney+survey+prorated tax+ doc)... but again it could be very low depending on how the closing cost is being constructed (may be point or cost from both side etc) ..if you can give a breakout /pic of the closing statement then i can help