You are spot on.

Their cost came to $500 for 15 ft of straight tube with 2 bends and connectors at both end done in a 1 1/2 - 2 ft crawl space under the home.

There is a sweet spot in 2-4 units that will cash flow, if modestly, especially if you wanted to do an owner-occupied scenario. 

I foresee my niche market being the remodeling of old farm homes in areas just outside of happening hot spots.

Typically this is the responder, someone who is in a tight spot and might overlook the impersonal and unprofessional nature of the YL.  

and want the same, I've been doing ALOT of crawling, an ready to try and start walking now! 

Thanks Jared.And you're in one of the most beautiful spots in the world.  

but come on thats not fair to them, when you are closing 8 properties in 8 weeks all with various level of rehabs you need to be johnny on the spot for your PM too.  

From my experience it seems the sweet spots if you're not wanting to deal with the East side of town is NW Lubbock, homes south of 34th St. but west of University, and homes south of 50th but east of University.

Look for one that's been in business for a few years, because they'll have found that sweet spot of making money and leaving enough meat to keep repeat business.