@Jay Hinrichs - I need to place a construction lien / mechanics lien on two properties - the local clerk's office was not overly helpful.

Any lien whether it is a mortgage, home loan, home equity line of credit, mechanics line, bitter ex spouse lien, or IRS (Or whatever) that is ahead of (In line for recording) the foreclosing entity survives the foreclosure.IRS liens are not property tax liens.

Nearly every industry has a Ws mechanism to distribute market opportunities.

It would be worth it to invest some time to develop/understand your local rule of thumbs for Kitchen, bath, mechanical, roofing, demo, plumbing & electrical, drywall/painting...    

House needs everything, roof, all mechanicals, etc but it's bones are good and it is a smaller home.

Just a thought but of course you have to have a great mechanic and willing to do what it takes in your best interest. 

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I know how to do all the mechanicals in a house.

My plan is to completely gut the house and have everything new - electrical, mechanical, etc.

That tends to be an important mechanic in capital markets.