Here on Bigger Pockets, the majority of investors want to get the best return on their money.  

After the demo, there really is not much you can do to save outside of thinking outside the box on fixing whatever that might be that has come up. 

Today I would probably figure out to make money online with AI, that's an opportunity that did not exist in this form.

Quote from @Scott MacComb: I have had contractors just do a small list on a paper napkin, and some do something on a word document.

BUT, SFH's are on sale right now!

Seller refused.

You can read a book and multiple books, but unless you are out there doing it (I.e. getting bids and getting contractors to truly get you an exact estimate) you will be far off from the numbers you want and may even lose money on the flip/rehab.The best advice I would suggest in my experience is that you should get into the line of work by either partnering with someone or working with someone on some projects prior to going into a flip on your own.

This is something you would have had the seller fix for you, especially if there was a water dispensing fridge installed.

It seems to me though your short term objective is to get the HOA to take immediate action on the roof.

So, yes, it can be the best time to buy as the sellers listing during the winter are often the most motivated.