Has he given any sound reasoning (unforeseen) as to why the labor has been higher than expected?

During the three episodes I saw last night there were:  Old knob and tube wiring that required $5,000 in unexpected total electrical re-wire, Ivy that had totally eaten the house and required $6,000 in new siding that was "totally unforeseen,"  a foundation problem that was going to eat $3,500 of the budget, and mold on the walls that would require new sheetrock for $4,000.  

My current state of mind is telling me to find a property that’s less costly, so I could have a cushion of cash just in case an unforeseen externalities arises after the purchase.

. - employment, health issues, something unforeseen that forced you to move.  

You may want to bring more equity to the table than the 25% to have an extra layer of protection against unforeseen circumstances.

Does life ever really just "happen" in totally unforeseen ways? 

@Jose GalvanEven if you get in with "minimum money down" I would highly suggest having a good sized reserve to insulate you from an unforeseen problems.

I don't think your idea to increase pricing for the new tenant and her dog is a bad idea; just make sure it takes into account that it is currently underpriced and that potential unforeseen damages can occur with pets.

What were the most expensive unforeseen expenses you've been hit by?

Another unit we found mold underneath the house that had to mitigated to the tune of several thousand.As we kept digging in, nearly every unit had something unforeseen come up.