I've been doing some simple "what if" analyses on listings from the MLS, just to help myself understand the thresholds of ROI and cash returns.I have all sorts of questions, of course, but I'll tread lightly with the intro to make sure that I don't cross any lines with what is allowed.  

I have drilled it down further to "Mom and Pop" apartments, our term for distressed, motivated, sellers.  

Otherwise the Code Enforcement in Sammamish is a good place to call.But the first thing to realize is that Infrared technology requires new and different training and certification, and you have to make sure the Inspector was qualified to give you this sort of report.

You can test the market out after you find out the sellers true motivation for listing the property. 

It suggests to me that the owner is NOT motivated!

I will take this with me as we sort through the benefits of each strategy.  

Recently however, I had an epiphany of sorts.

Has anyone in the DC area found craigslist an effective source of finding motivated sellers?

To avoid this sort of miscommunication with future applicants, I'd suggest asking a question on your initial application similar to "When would you like to move in?"