When I was initially looking at areas to invest in, I found it very useful to look at the Affordability Index (Avg Purchase Price / Avg Gross household Income) to look at the "health" of an area or city.

Septic system permits might be filed with a different department agency such as Health.

He has put off new AC ducts and his dental work.

When you buy a unit in a condominium building, you should also research the financial health of the building.  

Hey all,Just wanted to give a frame of reference for those who are thinking about being a real estate agent, whether it is to do "retail" sales or investing here are some of the cost associated to being an agent:I am located in Tulsa, OK each region/brokerage/style is going to be differentP.S. other realtors feel free to chime inGreater Tulsa Association of Realtors (access to MLS): 663/year (paid quarterly)National Association of Realtor fees: 685/year (paid in full upfront per year)Monthly Desk Fees: 990/year(HUGE range depending on style of broker)Continuing Education/Renewing License: 150/year (Just an estimate on the high side, new license last 1 year, then 3 years after, may want to upgrade to broker's etc.)Bare Bones: 200-250/mo or 2400-3000/yearNot that bad if you ask me, but there are a ton of other cost that you may not of thought about:On the "retail side":Advertising Costs, Marketing Materials, Coaching, Health Insurance - 1000/mo (doesn't include my health insurance)I am pretty conservative in my marketing also: 1250-1500/mo or 15000-18000/yearBREAK EVEN POINT:Here are more costs when you do make money:Taxes - 1099, there are a ton of things you can write off, but you are still responsible to pay the 7.5% that most companies pay off the top*Commission Split - most start at 50/50 some go to 100%, depending on how you start this could be even lower than 50/50*Splits, franchise fees, and commission vary a tonREALTOR BREAK EVEN:Let's just assume that our break even point is 1000/mo, I advertise more than a newbie (I know most of the things I mentioned are tax write-offs, so I wont include that in our calculations)1000x2(commission split of 50/50) = 20002000/.93(franchise fee of 7%) = 21502150/.03(commission off sale) = 71,666 (price point of house needed to be sold)71,666x12 = 859,992You need to sell almost 900,000/yr or 71,666/mo to break even in this industry... 

Sometimes it is a situation (health, divorce, recent death and probate, loss of job, jailed member of the household, etc.) 

He/his sister have taken over power of attorney for the mother since her mental health has degraded over time to the point where she cannot make conscious decisions on her own.  

Cash offer - over list - "As-is" except for health, safety and structural issues, Quick close or let her pick close.

@Matthew Paul my partner is a contractor due to health reasons he is unable to rehab the flip.

I would start w the Health Dept. of a particular city and specifically the person that handles code enforcement.