Renovation vs. Tear Down in NoVA

[Nicholas DeGaetani]

I've found a property that I prefer to renovate given the estimated reno costs as well as the upside in equity after I refinance down the road. In a Northern VA market where so many old properties are marked for tear down and rebuild, (1) how can I go about convincing the seller to lower the listing price so the math supports the renovation? (2) What is a good ball park estimate for tear down and new build? (3) What GC and subcontractors do you recommend for everything from asbestos abatement, kitchen, bath, and landscaping? (4) What architect/builder do you recommend that has a variety of build plans to use as a template or starting point?

Thanks!