The easy way and legal way to do this is to pay a building inspector before you buy to list what needs fixed and get a bid from a lincesed contractor (you can use a cheaper contractor saving thousands too.) then ask for a mortgage for the amount of repairs (IF you want improvements get the contractors bid for those wanted improvements.) THIS IS NORMAL AND LEGAL plus the building inspector even a appraiser (which all mortgages require and you can get it done for cheaper than banks if you call around make sure they are licensed and insured.) , cost usually either are or will be accepted as part of mortgage amount they are willing to give you all tax deductible so keep records and recites. Can be covered in the mortgage amount you, I've even seen moving cost and window covering estimated included when estimates of mortgage amounts are figured and applied for. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage amount via bank or mortgage company is always best for many buyers loans fall though and you will have leverage to get the house cheaper, and you know your top limit and payments you will be stuck with.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.