The only thing i could ever figure is that water got trapped between slab and the plastic that goes down at construction and just slowely mitigates out, which might mean no water sensitive flooring for quite some time.

I would think plastic, sandbags and tape would do the same job as silicone to keep out rain and it would be a lot easier to remove after the storm.  

@Ali Boone  and @Larry Fried   I like your explanation of their model, basically flipping, getting their cash back, and quickly selling to investors. 

With that we give them 12 furnace filters, batteries, a zipper (the plastic drain cleaner).

Plumbing drain pipes - Plastic/PVC is ideal, cast iron means you will likely have corrosion inside of them and have more maintenance costs involved.

Otherwise, college towns will fry you alive and eat your heart for supper.

I think a half hour per meter should do the trick. the 1/2" plastic meters are only $55.

I have heard of LLs actually bringing a piece of stinky carpet (enclosed in a heavy duty plastic bag) to the hearing. 

It takes longer to do the setup then it takes to complete the job. they have to seal the entire work space with plastic and tape all the seams.

You have to put down a thin plastic underlayment which adds a bit more to the per square foot cost.