@Nate Wentworth great questions.CapEx is fluid, but I get that you need a number to start off with -- most people just plug in 5-10% of gross scheduled income.

You don't get paid extra for them and you run the risk of high water bills and frequent brake downs

We live in an age where truth is fluid.

Recently, a friend @David Preil, pointed out a different method called DTDMS (Does The Deal Make Sense).It reminds me of the eleventh commandment--use your brain.There are often many factors that will make or break a deal, even if all of the metrics look good on paper, but it requires you to dig a little deeper.What are some of those things that have, or could make or brake a deal for you?

We budgeted $67,000, which included a 10% contingency, for rehab of the interior and exterior and ultimately hit the brakes at $65,000.

Did they leave lighter fluid and some rags? 

Due to this realization I’m putting the brakes on my journey and doing a full review of my goals .

Hopefully you will find an honest handy person or GC that won't sell you blinker fluid. 

Think I will pump the brakes and make some more calls before submitting a offer...

That would allow for motor oil and automotive fluids to flow freely into the municipal sewage system.