Some areas just are not worth the money needed to bring properties up to a habitable standard, but they will cash flow nicely.

I've noticed this is a popular habit with our older tenants (myself included).Gail

i know some companies have a very streamlined, internet based system for submitting, simply entering a few of the vital statistics of your offer such as..price, date to close, payment method, contingencies.

I went sort of halfway and did 6mo leases instead of 12mo at the beginning. just in case I didn't like their attitude, habits, friends around, whatever.. but will only do 12mo in the future..I agree.

You should have renters in every unit that's habitable and be actively renovating the rest to prevent squatting. 

This should not be a safety net but it is for a lot of people.You can either control your spending habits and lifestyle or you can't. 

Poor work habits, alcoholism, drug use, and criminal activity are prevalent in handymen and construction workers in these pay grades.

I think we have time to research the vital issues to us.

I work at one of the 100 biggest companies in the world on the finance side, and understanding the financing guidelines/being able to speak to bankers confidently has been vital to my success.

The landlord is responsible for providing a habitable property which it sounds like this place is definitley not.