When a tennant moves in they will call for new service and the provider will come to tone the lines and figure out what is what. 80% of the wireing on the building is probabely obsolete any way, not may people get hard-line telephone any way.If the wires are coaxial cable (used for "cable") then you can remove them all if the building is vacant because the provider will run new for new service.

Especially big thanks to @Ned Carey and @Wayne Brooks for getting me thinking about possibilities and the right way to think about structuring an offer.

Also, I would recommend you use warm neutral paint tones in the main living areas.

I know one of my houses is going to need a sewer line one of these days, and that will eat almost 50% of annual rents in one big check.

I think what the seller is implying is that the past HOA dues are going to need to be paid before selling to any potential buyers as a condition of the sale.

If you happen to need any assistance with anything, feel free to reach out :)

It is a side by side duplex with a ancillary unit (converted garage into a single family) and after running through it with my home inspector and contractor, it's looking like I'm going to need to put $40k into it in just safety upgrades (3 unfit falling over porches, deteriorated window sills, smoke alarms, second means of egress).

For financing you are going to need to bring more to the table when working with a HML or using a commercial loan.

I just put four houses under contract and all of them are going to need extensive rehab work.

At some point you're going to need help (contractor, realtor, PM, etc.) to reach your goals.