Then it is the responsibility of the seller to take care of it.

Just be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water and rule out good areas.

Reading it changed my mind set about working and creating wealth, but didn't give me many tips on how to actually accomplish those goals.

The HOA claims to "take care of lawn, trash, insurance, ext. maintenance."

Do you have the funds and know-how to take care of any issues that arise?  

Hoping for tips to help me get creative so I can keep accruing property.Thanks Walter S

Thanks of the tagging tip and all the articles.

The landlord came to me to see if I wanted to purchase the property because he has some health issues and wants to sell off.

In a few years you could do a cash out refi or get a HELOC to help with your initial down payment on your investment property (note: most major commercial lenders won't care where you get the downpayment from as long as the numbers on the property work).  

I personally think it's waay overhyped by the DEP and remediation companies, but nobody cares what I think. :)