You will have to discount it but at least you will have or he will have some money to move on to a deal where he can make a better decision and selection of a property that will produce a better outcome from a profit view point.

Interesting article from Realtor Magazine.How much did housing wealth change in your zip code

@maria Mendoza @Maria Mendoza what zip codes are you looking to buy the duplex in? 

If you intend to do upgrades, the second you open a wall or ceiling, that area is no longer grandfathered and must be brought to code.

The only reason that direct MLS access could make sense for me is that I could probably write some software to flag deals automatically based on some algorithms that I could come up with (such as 1% rule, 50% rule, discount to AVM value etc.)

You can search by your zip code to quickly gather a list of members in your local market. 

If you dont want a lot of people next time call the fire dept. and ask them what the occupancy codes are per bedroom and then put that in your lease. 

So they have no desire to sell the house at any discount.  

I would tread carefully and NOT use the link you provided. you can find the code at this link it is longer and a little hard to translate.http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Programs/progAccess/acce...Also it is important to keep in mind that the parking requirements as far as quantity for accessible stalls is less for multi family than commercial (dimensions are the same)You may be interested in getting a CASp report for your property the report will tell you exactly what you need to bring your property into full compliance and certify it.

@Patrick Britton  could not agree more... especially west coast investors.. like one post above were the OP is talking about neighborhoods he would not take his kids etc.. we all know what that is code for... this young man would get eaten alive trying to buy that kind of property...