Someone had mentioned to me that putting a lien against the property is the best course of action but it seems a bit harsh.

I tell ya though, cleaning up some one else's filth will really teach you the meaning of life.  

Also, my agent said it might be cheaper starting on a clean slate (with no surprises from an old home) and the bonus is that I wouldn't have to use my own capital in the bank; I'm currently pre-qualifying for about a 100K conventional loan. 

A few are occupied but being that I would have a year to evict or cash for keys to get the tenants out I'm not worried.My biggest concern is getting clean title. the statutes say that the tax sale wipes out most liens even HOA liens.

I'm hoping to get some input (I've on an offer given the following:South Central Michigan - Desirable school districtListed for $130,000On market since Aug. 2104 without price reduction~45 years oldOriginal furnace in both units (works well but old - not inspected yet)Roof is ~20 years old (OK condition but old - not inspected yet)New windows in 1 unit, original windows in other (aluminum - good condition - not inspected yet)Unit 1 needs cosmetic work (deep cleaning, minor drywall patchwork, painting, carpet replacement/cleaning in several rooms)Unit 1 shorter term tenantsUnit 2 is pretty clean and nothing needed by way of cosmetic repair.Unit 2 has long term tenantsBoth units rent at $825 per monthSelling agent cited "income potential" for firmness on the price.Based on the repairs that are needed, my gut feeling is that $130k is too much.

The tour of the property suggests that they are good tenants - the place is in great shape, units are very clean and there is even a vegetable garden in the yard that the tenants maintain.

I put about $2k into the property for painting, cleaning, landscaping, fridge, etc...)  

So your loan is approved and the only outstanding thing is the property appraisal and clean title.Contact me if I can provide more insight.Upen Patel

In the recent months I was presented with a relatively good deal and have been waiting on the owner to clean the property in order to sale it.

Put a few thousand dollars in it including brand new interior paint, complete cleaning of the house, home staging and so on.