However; when we were in Shasta County, CA, the City of Redding would list their surplus property online, and allow potential buyers to submit offers.

They may include these in a future sale or if unpurchased enough times they may become listed as "surplus lands" on the counties books and it is possible to purchase these for less than even the taxes that were owed.

never assume.As far as the construction cost my dad said he will foot the complete bill for the materials and sub contractors. in which I will pay him back in full upon exiting the property whether sell or refinance and rent, that was made very clear. he has liquidated his brokerage account  so has surplus of cash on hand that he will use. as far as real estate agents go, I do have a few friends who are agents in Staten island, who I can ask and get their take on the AVR, worth a shot to see what they have to say.

There are "discount" stores, surplus/outlet stores and habitat for humanity "restores" in my area that have great deals, but a very spotty selection.  

In Charleston were we are working its crazy what was once a hood next to the downtown core is seeing reverse flight... and old houses in terrible condition  are selling for 100 to 150k as is fixers.. then reselling after MAJOR reno's for 300 to 500k... all to hipsters that are changing the demographics in that city.Its not a real surprise what happened in Detroit.. once a great city of 1.6 million it lost companies, jobs by the thousands and ended up having a huge amount of surplus housing that was literally abandoned... and being such nice little brick homes its not like other areas were abandoned homes kind of fall down they just sit proudly vacant hoping that kids don't hurt them... 

Conversely, if it sells for more, the surplus goes to the borrower.

The same mortgage advisor helped me for the first time.Yes I do think there is a surplus in market value of the first house and refinancing is an option.

Increasing IncomeThere are only two ways to create more financial surplus: reduce debt and expenses and increase income.

I'm leaning towards the click together because I've had issue with edges peeling up on the peel and stick vinyl.I see these are the options: - Home Depot (Allure Premium @ 2.98/sq ft) - Lowe's (Various Brands @ 1.98/sq ft) - Lumber Liquidators (Store Brand @ 1.29/sq ft but with a 12 week lead time) - Surplus Warehouse (Various Brands @ 1.80/sq ft)Has anyone had success with these options?

@Ryan Mullin thanks for sharing, so many good things happening in Indy, including 4.9% jobless rate and a $2b state budget surplus.