Sincet hey own it, they have the abiliity to turn on utilities and if they don't, they are obviously hiding something.You have two options, pass or figure absolute worst case on your rehab budget and make offer accordingly.Is this common in a wholesale deal?

I think its a matter spending a little more to hopefully appeal to a larger base of tenants, and maybe even demand a little more rent with an "updated" kitchen.At a minimum I would paint them.

People demonstrating pride of ownership towards their home by dressing their house during the holidays or simply spending time doing yard work.

Don't assume this one can until you at least verify that he's competent and can keep on-schedule and on-budget with just one project at a time (most can't even do this).

if you buy homeowner insurance, and have a claim, you'll quickly discover that spending $300 for homeowner coverage is not a savings, it's a waste, because you weren't covered at all.I refer all my borrowers to National Real Estate Insurance / Affinity Group.

Mark Kohler put on the subject call today and it is recorded here:Using Other People's Money And Not Going To JailFor anyone raising money this is worth the time you spend listening to it.

Remember you don't need insurance for the land.Finally, don't use the logic "but if I spend extra money I will get a nicer house when my house burns down".

In the meantime, while rehabbing the house, I've been budgeting my money accordingly.

I personally do not like to budget maintenance cost based on rent amount.

If the rest of the story involves lack of communication and her inability to convince you of her situation so you don't spend the money evicting, then my advice would be to move forward with eviction.