Multifamily property with first floor a couple feet underground - any problems with this type of construction?
As I'm investigating other markets to buy in, I am finding some multifamilies (typically 4plexes) where it appears the first floor must be a couple feet underground, based on the fact that the first floor windows are at grade level. I am seeing this specifically in Colorado, where I'm sure the frost depth is at least a foot or two. They were built in the 1970s and 1980s. I'll try to paste a sample pic here:
My question is, what are the potential issues with this type of construction? Would water intrusion be likely at the walls and/or floor? Any additional maintenance issues? Being from SoCal, I'm not used to basements, so I don't know what all the potential problems could be, and what to investigate if we decide to pursue these types of properties.