If you have a slow leak...coverage is less likely especially with aged plumbing.To the original poster, Salil.  

Pittsburgh is home to many major universities including the rapidly growing Carnegie Mellon University which is “at least partially responsible for Pittsburgh’s growth, from revitalized neighborhoods to a vibrant and booming restaurant scene.”

Windows would be my next check-point (less than R1) and then wall insulation: I would not be surprised if they have no insulation inside, but you can do blow-in, which only requires a small hole.A home looses heat in two ways: heat conduction (which you can slow down with insulation) and drafts, which in old houses is usually the biggest culprit.

(see the numbers I wrote in my other response above this one).I am using actual comps that my realtor sent me.

If it's not feasible due to circumstances I suppose I'll have to adjust my situation (find weekend job, move back to NJ with parents, move to a different state with, etc.)All responses are appreciated, and I am absolutely open to chatting on the phone by the way.My view on house hacking is it can be a great tool to buy a house you could not  otherwise afford, but it shouldn’t be a goal in it of itself if that makes sense and that’s not to discourage you from investing just there are alternatives such as the stock market. so I’d start by asking where you want to live, do you want to own a single family home or does it make more sense to rent in a more interesting neighborhood like Arlington, Alexandria, that’s gonna be a personal choice, Will your monthly payment actually be less than renting/how many people do you need to get in the house to afford that?

Yes it is in fact 100% the responsibility of the buyer. 

That cost is for 17-18 piers - this was consistent between the 4 contractors we got bids form and we are waiting on a response from the engineer about how many he feels are necessary.  

Real estate allows you to be directly responsible for your gains and losses.

Responses are a month faster than a company doing it for you. 

I decided to answer your questions as I'm interested in your response. 1.