We can likely afford a cheaper smf residence however it's going to start in much worse condition as well as be located in a much less desirable location. 

The house is in general good condition, but apt is rented under market value.The seller refused to give notice to the current renter, they also refuse to request the renter to clear their stuff from the attic, basement and garage, all of them currently being used as additional storage (even though none of this is stipulated in the lease agreement).I would like to give notice to the renter, as soon as I take possession of the house that I will not be renewing their lease.

@Brian Sherman what about the conditional use permit that’s required when you rent over 90 days?

It sums down to “my landlord was profiting on providing us water a necessary condition to make my apartment liveable”.

On my 2nd career loan, I had to get past this condition because the subject property was more than 100 miles from the employer, which most would consider an unreasonable commute.

Make it a condition of your offer.If your goal is to buy an empty property, then it could be more difficult to sign a lease before closing.

Investors have renovated a lot of SFRs and improved the condition of the housing stock but the higher rents are putting people out on the streets. 

THE PROPERTY My father currently owns a duplex that is registered as a vacant property because it is not in a livable condition. 

Due to those conditions, you get a ton of inexperienced real estate investors trying their hand at wholesaling.

How quickly they will leave and the condition of the property when they do.