It seems to me that this might have come up in a municipal lien search, or at least in the settlement where we (and I think everybody) requires final water, sewer and gas bills to be paid off from the proceeds at closing.From the way you've described the charges, it sounds like a sewer betterment charge, which should have been disclosed in the listing and should also have shown up on the municipal lien certificate (MLC).Somebody dropped the ball.  

But those types of rentals are long term so finding a true rental comparison might be difficult but you can ball park it. 

If you are new, little to no money, no experience then if a broker or seller spends time trying to make a deal with you they are essentially throwing a (hail mary) and want to score a touchdown.This is why if you try to low ball a seller and you have all those things going against you from the start most will not give the time of day to you.

Unless you have a crystal ball and can predict the future, you should get into investing when you are back in the States with your saved up funds. 

I'm hoping for a first deal that will get the ball rolling.

I have no problem throwing out a low ball offer and it being rejected but I wanted to see if anyone else any luck with this scenario. 

Big banks like cookie cutter loans and they do them by the thousands, you dont fit in as an odd ball.

Besides general contractors, is there any place online that would help me understand the entire process and potentially give me ball park estimate?

I don't see that your offers are "low ball". 

I take it that most realtors don't want to waste a bunch of time submitting low-ball offers, or    chasing cheap distressed properties.