@Chris Adams you're probably right that in your area it is different than in Georgia.With that said, in Atlanta the water company is also owned by the city and the law here states:(c) A public or private water supplier shall not impose a lien against real property to secure unpaid charges for water furnished unless the owner of such real property is the person who incurred the charges.

The condition is clean, but needs a new hot water heater, new A/C unit, new appliances and carpet and paint.

We try to take the path of least resistance and if they want cash and a quick closing we don't argue with them or overcomplicate it.

I've found, when I show houses that have not been upgraded I encounter purchase resistance.

As per the zoning permit's it's 3 dwelling unit and a 4 rooming units .I'm buying the place out cash and according to local realThe rent for each of the 3 dwelling apartment is $500 they pay there own utilities and it's $350 for each rooming unit but I'll pay there utilities generating a month about $2900 before expenses ( insurance , water. , garbage maintenance ,electric for the rooming )It's my first deal so I want to make sure it's sounds realistic and it's a good deal

Are the gutters even in the right location for water drainage and the adequate size??

water/landscaping/village liens, IRA liens, property taxes, mechanic (ie, contractor) liens to name a few.Make sure you don't buy a 2nd lien.

I'm not a fan of HOAs, the fees can be onerous.But I have benefited by getting a new roof, new siding, and a new parking lot from the HOA fees that I paid.And besides those extraordinary items they also provided grass cutting, snow removal, heat, hot water, sewer, trash removal, insurance and outside maintenance.And besides those normal fees that I would have had to provide they also provided some items that I would not ordinarily provide like swimming pools (hate the maintenance and the liability), tennis courts and club house.

His resolution was to hold hostage the water bill.

Sorry to have to say that it sounds like the repair is yours to pay, and I would get it done sooner rather than later as you don't want water damage caused not only to your unit, but to your neighbor's unit as well.Generally speaking, if a repair is needed for something that only serves your unit (in this case a drain line that at the point where the leak is serves only your unit) it's your responsibility to get it done.You may want to try calling a reputable plumber.