It sounds like he's milking this property for all it's worth or maybe there are health problems where the owner needs the money and just can't afford to put it back into the property.  

When I say it is the land use department, they are responsible in this particular county for issuing building permits, and since the house has a well and septic on site, I am required to get a buy off from the department of health inspector before I can get a permit.

I was also wondering where they sold the siding, it is a pain to find if you're not a contractor or installer.

We came from NM and were paying $600 a year so I feel your pain.

@Christian Marin - I feel your pain!

b) if so, assume a near worst case rehab and a painful process to get the current tenants out - and remember to keep the taxes/closing in mind but separate - and make them a lowball offer.Is there a way to pay the taxes and get a tax lien that would allow you to foreclose at some point to force the issue?  

This whole process just made me feel like I was being sent down someone's marketing funnel and that his initial pitch video detailing his struggles, angst and pain points was just a carefully crafted story line as a lead in to his "products".

If I stop working out, I can't jump right back into it next month with the same results.I will say that if you get serious about real estate and start making money, you should get serious about your health too.

Anyway, the inspector wants the insulation completely replaced, which could be quite costly.My feeling is that this really is not a health issue.

IMO, Realtors would do better listing properties for a flat fee, who says the fee has to be a discount fee or under some price, so long as it's reasonable for the pain in dealing with a property that is distressed or not marketable?