Those are difficult to come by so I’m keeping my powder dry and investing through my brokerage right now until something pops up.

Plan to rent the property by the month, targeting traveling nurse/Dr. I

You should use a moisture tester on all the lumber and make sure it is dry before drywalling. 

@Sandee SampsonA construction attorney would be who to contact but you are going to spend a lot more than $7000 in getting this resolved against a builder.Also let’s say you win, the courts could also say you didn’t pay for a retaining wall which is needed so it’s a betterment to the property so you would still need to pay for the wall and they would be responsible for some soil etc.

I think the opportunities have dried up.  

I told him to pull out everything that might have gotten wet, get everything dry (to prevent mold), and make sure it was done right. 

In my area, Boise, ID:$500-$750/tree demo$50.00/lf - 6” Ductile Iron Water Line, 5ft Bury, Standard Soil, Excavation, Bedding, and Backfilling Included$2.50/sf 3” HMA Road Paving

Very simple to do.1) In the hole you, spray some suspend sc insecticide inside the hole. https://www.amazon.com/Suspend-Insecticide-USA-Supply-Eradic...2) Get a beekeeper suit, just in casehttps://www.amazon.com/Professional-Ventilated-Sheepskin-Bee...3) cut open the area.4) Spray inside the entire wall the suspend SC5) Dry out and close up the wall.If this cost you $200 and some time, I'd be amazed. 

Adding rooms does create the potential for more conflict but carefully thought-out floorplans, designate wet and dry storage spaces, and provide supplies.

Break down your rehab into individual jobs, for example get a electrician for electrical work, a plumber to repipe the house, a dry wall guy to close out the walls, etc.