They will let you know if the area you are considering is under any regulatory restriction.If you are in an area with an HOA(I'd forget it) they usually have set standardsand a mud hut ir a "tire" house will not pass muster I'm sure.Build Regs folks can point you in the right direction and let you know what will be required for the area.

I had to run the heat non-stop in order for the mud to dry, and since I was doing all the work myself, it took quite a while to tape and mud every wall and ceiling.

One story much easier than 2 or more storyIF we are talking center support,,,likely things to look for is rotten or termited shortened wood posts,,rusted out pipe supports,,sway back beams,,an IF its a crawl space probably NO footer support under whatever is blocking it up.Easy thing to do is go under house,pick open area,,hang a string a distance like inch,3/4,,,2 inches,whatever is easy and have block to measure by. across the joists in a couple different ways or directions and SEE how much its swaying,and where it looks like its cause.I am NOT saying an engineer isnt the RIGHT thing to do,,,just look and maybe YOU can suggest to engineer things that cut the fees to a minimum.I had a small house they set on conc blocks with nothing under them down center support,,,they got wet from who knows what,,like lots of rain and sunk in the mud within a few years of being built,then the whole house sway backed all the years it was old.

Both very undesireable homes to the retail market but in a great area that always sells.

Account Closed I know there are plenty of TK horror stories out there, and mostly they seem to have to do with buying low cost properties $30-$50k in undesireable neighborhoods or having poor property management.  

I replaced wall anchors with stronger ones, slapped some mud and paint over the nail hole and was good to go.  

(OK, every time we get a good rain and like to throw some mud in the new developments in the area) @Dan Shoemaker Thanks Dan, I am excited and looking forward to it.

For instance; I demoed the whole place, removed one wall, three doors, painted the basement and large mud room and removed all flooring that needs to be removed, and by the weekend I should have the yard all cleaned up and ready to go.

I'm certainly no pro, but my work ain't half bad - AFTER doing acres of drywall installation/mudding!

The best tenants stayed and the undesirable ones chose to leave on their own (and took their pit bulls with them!)