forget paint and countertops. in my area these parasites are snapping up foreclosures for $200k and flipping 3-5 months later for $375k (with bidding wars)! tons of unpermitted work, buried oil tanks, septic issues, mold, basement rot--they can get away with it because buyers are desperate and ignorant. meanwhile they probably got a deal from someone desperate to sell, due to issues it's now their mission to cover up.

always get an inspection--and find and hire your own inspector, not the guy they've hired--and find one with real experience, a mechanic or builder (who isn't necessarily even an inspector). they can see irreparable foundations, potentially-deadly electrical problems, and a whole lot of stuff the average person would not.