This is Called GAMBLING.

I'm a Chicago native, went to UK, so I'm back in Chicago now, but still have some contacts in LEX.

As a contractor I always prefer a full gut but it does eat away the rehab cost and takes longer but no stress about plumbing, leaks, electric, lead paint and etc in the future.The patch up would cost less, fast timing, but then you are gambling with what's behind the wall and hoping nothing happens in the future.I assume most house that are purchase for BRRRR purpose are in distress/bad condition and old on some occasion.What rehab number would you go for?

Sounds like you did not do any homework and its going to kick you in the butt and it sounds like you gambled on this one. 

Definitely up, so the gamble on rates cannot go your way.I had one ARM in the past, and it went my way when it adjusted, but only because the market collapsed.

@Harry Gamble The cost of insurance will vary greatly based on the individual property types, specifics, and locations.

I am interested in partnership or Joint venture in the UK and US. 

This isn't just in Houston this was huge in the UK they would be buying high rises buying them out leaving a lot of first time home buyers in the UK angry since they wouldn't be able to afford it

BUT NOW due to mining recession house prices are plummeting and so are jobs - it's not looking better in the close future.My girlfriend and I have joined the "Rich Dad" based mentorship program for the UK and connected with a local investors group who already invest into UK (with the same program).The plan is to start with lower budget "buy to let" and find the odd good deal to flip a property for cashflow to reinvest.

I believe your point was more about if you are a W2 and expect retirement savings if you are lucky with your 401k to get you to where you want to be when you retire then yea, that is taking a gamble given the access to wealth building vehicles that are possible in today's world.