There's supposed to be a nice big pice of 2x8 blocking carefully installed right behind where those holes are, so it won't be the patch holding the sink in place.Sam, I'm afraid this is just going to be a total, total crap job to make this tiled access panel I'm proposing look even close to decent if you don't have the tools and skills of a fully equipped tile contractor.So my second idea is this: forget the access panel, and patch that hole with 1/2 in. drywall, preferably purple drywall, to eliminate those open studs and that code-breaking fire hazard.

We take about lots of things other than budgeting and we have people from Australia to Switzerland in all walks of life.

He's leaving it up to me to find a place, and I'm afraid I'm slipping into "analysis paralysis" territory here.

By the way, I have talked to 2 different trusted flooring companies and both said they wouldn't be afraid (other than wear layer), just to use extra glue to make sure it stays.

so why would you buy into a deal where you know you've got a boat load of deferred maintenance and a condo association afraid to tell it's members bad news?

Don't be afraid to offend someone, you never know unless you ask. 

What I'm afraid of is that you are looking at a property that you believe will make you happier than you currently are.

Don't be afraid to make low offers. you never know what the other party will reply.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes.Best wishes!

I'm not afraid to get on the phone and make calls or do whatever is necessary to get a job done.