If you open up the wall to do something, you will need a permit for plumbing and electrical a lot of the time because they will want to see behind the wall before you close it.

Maybe you could get your City Council members to contract with lead pipe replacement specialist contractors and just add it to your city taxes or something???

We are local contractors in the area looking to get our feet wet in the real estate investing waters.

Also, I have heard success stories of folks finding good contractors at the home improvement stores early in the AM.

Contractor connections?  

Another thing to consider... if there are mice, and they start chewing through electrical, that becomes your problem.

Make sure it's dated and have your agent take a picture of it on the door.Then have your agent hire a locksmith to be at the property on the stated date with any necessary contractor.

For instance, one property seems to have an extra bathroom that is not listed in the county records.I plan to make some modifications, including removing a closet wall to expand a bathroom and taking out a kitchen island that contains electrical outlets and a switch.

BTW I am a 10-99 contractor and have been focused on the rehab for the past several months, which affects my verifiable income.

Is there an energy company (electrical and Gas) that will do roll overs?