@Jim Butterfield  Regarding the two duplexes that you'll be financing, two issues pop into my mind: why would anyone agree to discount them by 30%? 

(pictures of current house pre-renovation listed along with a second house-MISTAKE)July 23, tenants move out and return keysAug 31 First set of renovations complete, mostly cosmeticThrough Sep I negotiated with Norada and M.I.P to improve the renovations, I was not satisfied with work nor scope, they agreed to all items and improved the unit through Sep while it was on the market.Sep 12 Appraisal came in for asking price of $95,000, cost $495Sep 18th Third Party Property Inspectors found items, M.I.P fixed all issues, Cost $295Sep 28th, closed on the property, no tenant yetClosing: The closing was smooth, mobile notary came to my houseAll paperwork initially was signed via DocuSign, but ended up signing everything in front of the mobile notary at the end againElectronic copies were available post-closingNo issues with wiring money, etc.Post-Closing: Home is still empty, Reedy and Company Realtors, LLC is now the Property Management companyPictures of final renovations were provided after many inquiriesHouse rent rate was lowered to $965 after sitting vacant all summer at $1065I was not sure why they raised the rent so high during the closing process.

Absolutely agree with your assessment.

Agree with @Chris Hopper ....It should be a manageable cost usually on most houses ( <$10K often). 

Agree with the others saying if you plan on returning getting back in the market is usually tough.  

I agree with the other posters, chances of you contacting the decision maker for that particular property are extremely low.

I agree with @Marc Middleton, move on from this highway to failure property

The landlord and tenant may agree that the tenant is to perform specified repairs, maintenance tasks and minor remodeling only if:(a) The agreement of the parties is entered into in good faith; and(b) The agreement does not diminish the obligations of the landlord to other tenants in the premises.3.

However, i would agree with@Wayne Brooks that you cannot say the seller is motivated with that statement. 

Agreed, it just assures them it's not for an owner occupant loan, which they legally can not loan on.