That scenario does not apply in cheaper markets where McD would prefer to own the dirt.

A buyer usually prefers new appliances included because they are getting rolled into their 30 year long term financing and even at current rates that is a lot cheaper than buying them later on a credit card. 

The roof is cheaper per unit, especially if you have multiple floors but it isn't 0.

I could have probably gotten it done for cheaper, but T&H had a list of contractors that they worked with and they were on top of it. 

You think hard money would be cheaper than an unsecured BLOC?

A lot of markets in the Midwest offer lower prices, cheaper taxes and are landlord friendly as well.

If it’s good quality and cheaper for you and there’s enough to cover your place, then yeah I’d say it’s a good deal.

There are a couple of things I could fix myself for cheaper, however, that's not the primary question I would have for long distance investing. 

If we bought another house the mortgage would be low 7% interest and on a 350k-385k home our mortgage would be about 3 thousand (Anything cheaper is a less desirable location or unlivable).

The idea was that as DH got more and more expensive, people would realize they could just head across ford road and buy properties in close proximity to the community at a significantly cheaper price.