Home Renovation without Permits (sale, buyers, inspection)

[digital12]

Hi,
I am interested in purchasing a home in Rhode Island that has recently been renovated.
However, it doesnt look like the proper permits were obtained to complete the renovation work.
Obviously, I would like to have all of the proper permits in place before purchasing.
Do I have any options other than walking away as a potential buyer?
Does anyone know what the state allows buyers or sellers in this situation?
I have heard of an after the fact permit, but was not able to find any referenes in the building codes online.

[DanBev]

I did an addition in 2000,14 X 40 without permits,the buyer was going FHA,2008,I did not think about it until brought to my attention by appraiser.
To complete sale I had to pay civil engineer to inspect and draw up blue prints.This included slab which had to have correct footers&rebar,proof of termite treatment to soil and visquene.
Rafters had to be fastened with ties.Had to have frame anchored every 6'.Plus a myriad of pages pertaining to state law.Cost $1500
I had to have and pass electrical inspection by licensed electrician,gfci,etc.Cost $100
I had to have septic pumped which I had already done,size of tank for number of bathrooms and size of drainfield checked by health dept. because of added living space.Cost $380
I presented the plans to bldg dept and was issued an as built addition building permit,cost $350.If I had not complied with law they could have made me tear it down.AC and gas heater also was inspected.
Never again,all this in small rural area.
We did close as scheduled.