An asking price is just an ask... ...In sum, on paper one deal looks great and one not so great, but upon further inspection they totally change positions.

Also, the supended ceiling in the basement clearly is wrecked from water damage, although during inspection no source could be found and above the ceiling everything looks good. 

I have no doubt as you get closer to Madison (or Sun Prairie on that side of town) rental demand is extremely strong and vacancy rates are low, but Randoph is 40 minutes out from Sun Prairie. 

I'm living closer to Boston, so weekends may be better from me as well.

While it won't be bad to put an offer in without reviewing the financials, make SURE you have an inspection period that gives you time to review them.  

No reports, no drive-by's, no maintenance inspections, no annual inspection, no pictures.

They've increased density and it's now closer to $ 1B development.

Hi Yeng, I suggest Christian at Home Check Inspections.

It's an interesting thing because in Lewiston the closer you are to the city center, the crappier it is.  

You might have to extra work to open walls to allow inspections but it will probably be worth it, especially if you plan on selling this property in the future.