I am in AZ & most properties are on cement slabs.  

I liked the idea of vinyl planks because I thought they would last longer, thinking I could install myself, but my contractor was discouraging on price when he started talking about the need to level the cement floor (online it says less than 3/16" for every 10 ft - I've never used a self-leveler) and putting in a sub floor.  

I do cement flooring because they can't crack a tile, scratch it etc etc.

When that paint chips/peels that cement board will soak water.

Estimated cost is $1,350.00 which includes removal of cement and patching cement once we are done." 

If you actually paid attention here instead of trolling with one liners, you would see some of the  stories about these types of transactions to include tenants placing cement in the sewer lines, frying a breaker box, destroying interiors and much more.

Materials cost (cement board, insulation if an outside wall, trash bags, shower faucet fixture, etc).

You can typically change jobs and still qualify as long as you're in the same type of job (e.g. cement truck driver to delivery truck driver) and most markets are screaming for employees.

But in terrible area, Brand new roof, furnace, windows, passed lead inspection, cement? 

With additional zoning code information gleaned from the city, I learned that other violations exist which were not flagged, for example lock-off doors and too much cement covering too much of my driveway.