I Need Some Feedback On A Deal
I have spoken with this home owner about their property. I did due dilegence and found another name on the taxes other than the person that I'm speaking with. The property is vacant, so I asked homeowner if the property was condemned or are there any problems that I should know about concerning this property. Home owners reply was "The property is not condemned, but before any utilities can be turned on, the city has to inspect the property. Any suggestions for this? is there a charge for the city to inspect it? I won't make a committment until I'm certain this deal is duable. Home owners price has reduced from 14.5k to 11.75k (after repair value 40 - 50k). They sound motivated or maybe needs cash for bills or the holidays. Any suggestions on how to structure this deal? 
[addsig]
Every city is different, but here in Florida they dont charge to inspect. It would be a good idea to get them out there anyway before you buy it to check it over. In my experience the code officers usually are pretty knowledgeable and wouldnt hurt as a contact.
Good Luck,
Kyle
I'm sure a free call to the city would yield your answer.
I spoke with my attorney who advised me to have the owner to obtain an owner title insurance policy I also have an appraiser that will give me an ARV, if its between 47 - 55k then I'll proceed, if not I'll walk away because of the repairs (about 12k) and a loan from a hard money lender, anything less than 45k would not be worth my time.