I decided it is time I stop in to introduce myself.My name is Don and I am a (working) mechanical engineer living in Northeast Ohio.

I'm more skeptical of the people who claim to know everything.I don't want to speak for @Mark Updegraff but what I think he is referring to is that the maintenance for the property (mechanics, roof, flooring, etc) has been neglected in the past in order to increase profits.

When you invest locally you have to vet the neighborhood, the property, the foundation, mechanicals, roof, etc.

It is structurally sound and the mechanicals appear to be in really good condition.  

Depending on the market, many people will make their offer on the assumption that the units are in great shape and then attempt to lower the price following inspections because the units are not so hot.If I had to make an offer without an inspection contingency - I would assume the units are disasters and need full mechanical and cosmetic upgrades in choosing my offer price.

There are also crappy car mechanics and crappy people at whatever-it-is you do.

It's mostly renovated and updated with newer mechanicals and major items taken care of.  

It's a very difficult situation, and will continue to be,, due to lack of supplies to repair, people / contractors to do the work, and unforeseen structural and mechanical issues.. and MONEY,, FEMA approval for repairs ,, more than likely the landlord did not have flood insurance. 

When a property is sold on auction, aren't all secondary liens removed other than mechanic's liens (and shouldn't I have picked that up by checking Acris)?

Are you responsible for any mechanical that would need replacing -- anything with a service life besides appliances?