Consider opening your search to Southeastern WI as the entry and return numbers may surprise you in the right neighborhoods.

My name is Aaron and I am an engineer from Southeastern Wisconsin.

I added another bin for the guests to leave their empty aluminum cans in and made hundreds more during that time.

Knob and tube, aluminum wiring - just not insurable.And, when estimating rehab costs to make an offer, remember that you're not entitled to "new."

My insurance company, who used to be the only one that would insure knob and tube, now won't even insure aluminum common in the 50s and 60s, so that could be a potential large expense.How is the roof?

Things like:Location (dist to the coast could be an issue, fire protection in that town, etc.)Updates to the systems (knob & tube wiring, Aluminum wiring, fuses, asbestos siding, roof over a certian # of yrs, etc.Tenants (do any have breeds of dogs that will be an issue, are students an issue, etc.)That info will help when evaluating properties.

Will,I would pay attention to the electrical (knob & tube or aluminum), age of roof, asbestos, or tenants with aggressive dogs. 

Things the agent will want to know:age of the systems (roof, heat, plumbing, electric)if older, is there any knob & tube or aluminum wiringcircuit breakers or fusesany underground tanksdo tenants have pets (if dogs, what breed)what alarms do you havepitched or flat roofany claim history (check with existing owner)

Below is a breakdown of some costs to repair.Termite Treatment(damage appears minimal but I may never know full extent of the damage): $1100 New Electrical Work (house has aluminum wiring and NOTHING is up to code): $12kHVAC (New, but not functioning or up to code): ????

Some general info on insuring the property:Here are some things to look for from an Insurance prospective:1.Any in-ground tanks (active or inactive)2.Any Knob & Tube or Aluminum Wiring3.If built before 1978, does the building have Lead Safe certifications4.Any wood stoves or secondary heating units.