The contractors that do this use something called a rotary hammer to get through masonry quickly. 

I had an inspection and the house needs, in my very non expert opinion, 15-20k in work that I wouldn't be able to afford, nor do on my own(mainly new siding and masonry work).

He taught me the commercial masonry business over 25 years ago (which I  own separately).

One owns a decent masonry business and the other flips and buys and holds.

That lasted about a year.Then I worked at an Italian restaurant until I almost chopped off my finger slicing bread.Then I started my own masonry company, I did great work, but didn't live up to my potential.None of those jobs played any role in where I am at today in my real estate investments.

In masonry, we do front steps like that all the time. 

. - is it a masonry fireplace or a factory built/prefab fireplace ? 

Solid barriers which do not have openings, such as a masonry or stone wall, shall not contain indentations or protrusions, except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.4. 

This usually includes but is not limited to PLUMBING, flooring, landscape, utility lines and masonry.

Let's say the house is listed for $50K and needs extensive work; big dollar problems like masonry, roof, electrical, HVAC, all having issues.