But an orthodox Judeo/Christian legal framework frowns up on it based upon occasions/incidencts like Jesus cleansing the Temple of money lenders (Matthew 21:12, as per Google).

Based upon some of the comments, I feel the need to revisit REI 101 ... investing in RE has 4 profit centers:1) Appreciation (both forced and market)2) Cash flow (which changes over time)3) Mortgage Pay Down (ammortization)4) Tax SavingsThe above should be indisputable fact, the conclusions drawn below are my opinion based on 15 years of REI experience.If you are only looking at 1 out of 4 of these things, and you are only assessing it for day 1 and not the entire lifetime of the investment (or assuming that it will stay constant without validating that assumption with long term historical data or some other source), then you are NOT looking at the entire investment picture.The best way IMO to combine all of these things into a single analytical framework is to project out the financials making reasonable and conservative assumptions (based on long term average historical trends and/or actual data where available) and compute the IRR.

For example, the inspector noticed the sewage main line may have leaked in the past and he was able to ballpark the replacement cost — it was a great framework when I spoke to plumbers about it, AND I was able to use it as one of the reasons to negotiate additional seller-paid closing costs.

But, at least you have the framework to consider whether it meets your goals or not.

Explain up front what you value and why and set the framework for the working relationship up front.

I don't know if these are A properties because I am new to that framework and as I read the descriptions I'm on the fence.Anyway,  we always put in SS appliances if the appliances are old,  stone countertop,  paint or replace cabinets,  tile bathrooms if the insert is gross,  etc.  

When McDonald’s makes a profit on a hamburger, they don’t have to enter the framework of something like a 1031 exchange to avoid paying the taxes on the profit and using it to buy more hamburgers, they just write off the acquisition of more hamburgers and don’t pay taxes on it until they eventually decide to step out and stop their continuous acquisition of more profitable hamburgers.

Their framework is solid, the content is solid and they genuinely care about your success.

I found the legalities to be very basic, and more of a framework to be aware of then stress about.

Agreed that walking the property and coming up with my own estimate is an essential skill...and I know there are frameworks out there to help with estimates.