How are they sourcing materials?  

The fire prevention policies were different, more aggressive, so far less imperative reasons to sway away from a then amply supplied and I imagine price adjusted material of shake vs fire resilient material. 

Legal Implications & Ramifications : As an example; the iconic PCH homes in Malibu and many in the upper foothills might not permitted to build back, certainly not to the same extent or materials.

To qualify, both spouses must materially participate in the business, and the venture must be jointly owned and operated.

Insurance companies are taking a close look at building materials, quality, and updates. 

I wish it weren't so but, yes, this string is validating my experience and suspicions about LVL and Tom McLelland. 

I've gathered more knowledge than I can implement with all the BP content and other materials, lol.

I'll look into that material more!

My question is, do I just use the heavily reduced price I was able to purchase it for since it was vacant, and then the material cost of what I renovated plus what things I did contract out, even though that basis would be way under what the other renovated houses that sold near me per SF sold at, or are you able to use similar comps to determine the depreciation basis?

You can cover the wire mesh with drywall patches (they tape on wall and across the wire, white/paintable, different sizes) as the wire mesh is what will prevent the rats from eating their way into the property (the covering material is cosmetic only).