there is serious money in Jackson, and the skilled workers cannot afford Jackson anymore.

Funds ( who you can afford a down payment or have the cash to offer to lower to price or a good reserves for the repairs opposed to someone with no capital or access to capital.With that being said what makes a good deal for you?

I’m from Grand Forks but am interested in more affordable markets.

Some tenants cannot afford or do not bother with the pipes because they don't believe they have anything to gain.

Don't buy a property just because you can afford it, instead, buy a property that makes sense to you financially .

However, if the repairs to the roof are not over 20k and the seller wont budge on any credits than I can still afford this deal.

Many of my coliving homes already have 8 or more people in downtown and there is a real need for this kind of affordable housing.

Can you afford to buy both properties at the same time?  

Pay them as much as you can afford (not as little as you can)3.

If you can afford to front all the finances, you get to call the shots, including firing him if the relationship sours.