@Steve Boss,  Here's a BP blog we wrote recently on costs nationwide - https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-much-does-a-1031-exchange-cost.Just because an exchange is cheap doesn't make it bad. 

Do you know anyone who is investing in the debt of distressed office buildings, and then buying them at a cheap price once they default? 

Check connections, make sure everything is still attached correctly, but it should be a very, very cheap fix.

It's an inexpensive market, but don't fall for cheap opportunities that look good on paper and details left out concerning the location and the vacancy rate. 

So you will end up with a rookie that will do it for cheap and cause you to lose your EMD or a discount shop that will barely answer your phone call. 

They do have some cheap stuff, but usually price will dictate the quality level. 

Your strategy of learning more DIY skills is especially smart in Northern Virginia, where contractors are not cheap!

I mean, look at all the replies in this thread simply stating $500/labor to paint a house is cheap.

It's cheap and fast, so you should go forward with it.

In my opinion, AZ has 'gone over the edge' and will not return to a cheap market ever again.