There are "discount" stores, surplus/outlet stores and habitat for humanity "restores" in my area that have great deals, but a very spotty selection.  

Thank you, when I did my walk through all it needs on a surface level inspection (my experience is tearing several rooms down to stud and rebuilding, running electrical, etc and 1 year as a realtor so in other words not extensive) is to complete tearing up the old flooring and restoring the hardwood, new appliances, water heaters, possibly some updating, and maybe a furnace.

Integrity is everything and once called into question, very hard to restore.....IMHO

I'm a buy/hold investor and rehabber, and I just "hand shook" on a deal to restore my brother's property and help him rebuild his retirement income/legacy to his children.

I tore the existing house on those lots down (it wasn't worth restoring) and had dreams of building a home on the lots.

All drains were working properly so the plumber didn't snake the lines but then they called out Roto Rooter Restoration to begin the water cleanup/dry out/restoration.  

I don't know about special programs for that, but many cities have a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

His insurance has nothing to do with my property being restored.

We've enjoyed taking our time restoring old homes with an upscale historically sensitive focus.

I set my Auto deductible to 2500 and the intent is to protect ONLY from massive damage and/or as they say "a total writeoff".When we had a fire in '13, Farmers was just the best and payoff quickly to provide $95k for restoration.