Look at the alternatives available to you and pick the best of those that you see.

Heck, what's the alternative?

The "holding" concept is new to me, I like it as an alternative to signing a lease, especially if they seem wishy-washy.

Vinyl plank is a great alternative as well.

Should I just automatically write these off or is there some alternate way I don't know about to find out what the insides of these homes look like?

Or, alternatively, if you have any other proven methods of purchasing properties that need just enough work the bank will not lend on them but not so much work that the price works for hard money, let a guy know, because that is the pickle I continue to find myself in.  

I am actually glad that you brought up the alternative route of looking into being an assistant manager or something similar for a multifamily owner or developer.

I did not have to sell my truck but I sold it to free up the cash of monthly payments, insurance, fuel, and upkeep.

I would (1) check your local laws to see what they say about giving notice for month to month leases in your area, and (2) do NOT offer the rent increase alternative if that's not what you want.

The ADU will generate a rental income of 2,000 a month.The cost to build an ADU unit in California is about $200 per sq. ft about $160,000 costThere is also the alternative to install a prefab unit made of storage containers and the cost for the same sq. ft. is $100,000.Both alternatives will generate the same rental income of $2,000 a month.If I decide to sell the house in about 5 years, having a prefab unit will not increase the value of the property as much as if I have conventional construction unit?