The other investors will come and tell you costs and what they will pay (after you have a contract in place).Figures for me in Southern Utah:Paint: $2 a ft.Carpet $14 a yd.Granite $36 a ftSod $.25 cents a ftCabinets $50-$75 per box.Tile is $4.50 a ft to lay plus purchase of the tile.Labor, Demo, Cleaning, etc.ADD 20% to the final number!!!!

I'm sure there's someone out there that would put you to work demoing or basic cosmetic work - find that mentor.Build from within - hands on learning is the quickest way to gain confidence.Paul

This project involved moving the plumbing, updating the electrical, demo to the studs and reframing to make better use of the space.

To get it back on line would have required a complete bio clearance and building permit or demo of unauthorized work just to get the power back on.

I would have been better off waiting a couple weeks after close to plan things thoroughly than just starting demo within the week.

We've done a bunch of work to the house including, a complete kitchen and living room demo, and adding 2 additional bedrooms to one unit.

Would you sign a one year lease with a guy you've never met who just started the demo on a home in that condition? 

The home may or may not need to be demoed.

@Leon Yang , the sellers are very vague on what they are looking for so I am trying not to offend them with the opening offer but I think they would entertain any starting offer so I might consider that as a starting point.  

@Leon Yang , I've already refi-ed my SF condo, I'm on an 5/1 ARM at 2.75% that goes adjustable (LIBOR + 2.50%) in 2017.