Hi Dan, I'm surprised the DOT isn't willing to accept AASHTO guidelines and a letter from the engineer to justify your design. 

Yes, you will pay for commissions (which are 100% negotiable)- I like the idea of approaching the agent for the new buy (if in the same area), who might give you a discount on the listing if you also buy from him or her.There are programs out there that help you BUY before selling, they will give you a 20% downpayment and money for repairs on your existing house- you'd have to use an Agent and them that is affiliated with them and they act as the straw man lender- check out Knock.com, Ribbon, Orchard, Homelight, etc- and there are others- I'm not sure which are available to you in California.In most states, homes are sold "As-IS" anyway), and all you have to do if you cannot make repairs is to properly DISCLOSE what you know isn't working, so that buyers can take that into consideration in ADVANCE of contract, in both their offer but also to save them surprises later on which could cause them to back out- if they know in advance and all is disclosed, there's less chance of that happening.

You may see the market that keeps going up income and salary has no relevance to the pricing , and you would see a market where everything depends on local income.Usually, when we face surprise that price does not correlate with income is becoz.... our methodology to count income is wrong all this time.Remember, home price is :1. determined by auction bid2.

(We just finished a 3k sqft home with a higher framing coat) I’d be surprised if he can even get the lumber package for 80k.

Also find an REI or LL Association and network with members, surprising what comes up when you least expect it. 

Entertainment is surprisingly decent for such a small area (at least it was before the U.S. all shut down), but you'll still need to head to Phoenix to see any major sports leagues.

I recommend spending 30 minutes every month watching the rent rates in your market so you always have an idea of what yours would rent for should you have a surprise vacancy. 

I’m surprised the bank has not tried to take the house by now.  

I was surprised they got the plans approved.

Otherwise you will be in for a BIG surprise come tax time.Listen to Bill and Dave above !!!