Yea I get what you mean.That's why I was going to see if they've done any repairs or know the repairs that need to be done firstIf it's something that I'll have to gut-out I won't do it just because of my inexperience.

You inexperience in selling homes, coupled with the emotional involvement of selling on you will consistently cost you much more than the standard commission rate that a good listing agent gets.

I've also seen quite a few doctors be nearly scammed due to their inexperience in real estate but taking advice from pitches from the country club set.

Feel free to ask questions as you have and most importantly don't let your inexperience stop you.

You've succinctly described my intuition/core belief, but it would be nice to hear that it has some basis in experience.

I have done some IRR calcs, but its a bit tough for me to trust them due to my relative inexperience and assumptions. 

Overall, I agree with all he says based on what I can see (and my inexperience), but I don't really know how to make my home more marketable (hence, the reason to hire an agent).  

I have read tons of books on the subject, but completely understand, $20k in experience is greater than $200k in books.

I probably missed a few deals due to my inexperience.

My rough estimate to finish the house is between $30,000 and $40,000, but given my inexperience, I am not sure how close I am.I have a good friend who is a general contractor and also has an accounting degree.