Also, I think the prices across the board have seem to have increased astronomically over the last 8 years.

If DIY is the approach, you really need to track every material expense and every minute of time spent on the project to accurately reflect the true cost (still likely cheaper, but not likely as astronomically cheaper as it appears at first glance).

I agree that you do need to find an attorney now that you trust and you can grow with - the costs should not be astronomical - especially if its just you as a the sole member in the LLC. 

Still not astronomically high, but higher than your standard buy-and-hold or flip investor has the means to work with, which is what our local investor makeup looks like.

And now, you still have a better understanding of the property moving forward and you have a plan – then you start making money.Boots are Made for WalkingSo let's say there are issues that just make this a "no-go", like installing a sprinkler system, or something else that has an astronomical price tag to conform – then, it may make sense to kick the deal to the curb.

Welcome to your astronomical fine and your mesothilioma.

I get a 12,000 difference in opinion may not seem like a lot when you are talking about more expensive properties, but when you are looking at 16% of the value of the property, that is astronomically wide ranging. 

I like the diversity of the market and the prices aren't astronomical.

It's bad enough with the taxes on income and goods, but property taxes are astronomical in many areas as well.

. $40-60k isn't a lot at all for a property in SoCal in terms of appreciation, but if you only put 5% down on that condo and you have condo fees, you're paying an astronomical amount in fees that you're not going to recoup.