They don't go in the attic to check the insulation...then are surprised when it is sawdust...they don't climb on the roof and are shocked when it has multiple layers or needs replacing...they don't make a trip to check if work is permitted or not and are shock shocked when it is not...I like to think they are trying to get potential buyers to be aware of all the pitfalls out there when rehabbing and showing you some basic things that can be wrong...That said I am so glad when folks rehab the older historic homes here...99% do it to live in ...there is no way to make money flipping here with prices as they are

I resided a house in Marlborough, MA with high quality vinyl and poly-ISO insulation.

In fairness, it's difficult to budget for heat when you realize your are living in a home with single pane windows and insulated with horse hair from the 1900s.

The tech sector is a lot more established now however, so that would insulate the bay area unless there's a shock to the tech sector.What do you think?

The best order I feel to put the categories for the interior and how I put mine is in the following order Demo, Framing, Rough Electrical, Rough Plumbing, HVAC, insulation, Drywall, Interior Painting, Cabinets/vanities/ counter tops, Flooring (flooring before cabinets if you're not using a floating floor such as true hardwood), Finish plumbing, finish electrical, and finally carpentry (doors, windows, trim).As far as the scope of work for the exterior there is no particular order you need to go in since it will be up to the general contractor to schedule those for you.

If you have gaps in the duct or it's not properly insulated then you may be blowing hot air into the basement for no reason (especially if there is insulation between joists).  

We are spending over 10k in interior doors and trim, paint sheetrock and insulation are going to be another 10k, so its easy to see how this stuff can add up.

But I am worried about asbestos in the popcorn covering and also in the insulation above it.

Mark Paup ,Just from a contractor's perspective, I would get the full seller's disclosure, and make sure there are no asbestos materials (tile, loose fill insulation, wrapped pipes, etc) and make sure there is no lead paint.

Here is the breakdown: Demo: 1800 (not sure what all this includes as aside from a toilet, it is an empty shell) Electrical 9.500, Hvac 10,000, Plumbing $8,500, Misc/carpentry-$1200, Drywall-$5000 Interior paint/plaster repair $1900, Insulation $4,500, Exterior doors/windows-$9,000, Siding to repair damaged area only $1500 (this is a very small area).