It could be a strategy to partially demo/clean up and list for sale, but still figure it out and look for clues.

Long story short, he tries to pay us off but we already started demo, etc....In the end we came to a deal to help his situation with giving him 10k on the backend of sale.

Multiple D variances, full demo, and new construction ground up.

(mostly painting, demo and clean up, we had help with electrical and flooring install) This actually got us started on investing in real estate, and we recently bought another rental property (a duplex).

Moved the gas line from the demo wall to the opposite wall, Renovated the kitchen, redid flooring, removed boiler tank from closet inside the house to garage and installed recessed lights.

I don’t see mention nor price for any demo work.

Being gutted and framed out already meant he was going to save a ton of lumber + demo costs.

Generally each project has 2 large orders: 1st one covers mechanicals, roofing,framing and drywall/trim (delivered after demo us complete). 2nd one covers paint, cabinetry finish fixtures, etc...The home depot app sucks for finding plumbing fitting, electrical items, etc...

You have to get tough with the stipulations you put in contracts for what we call a timeline for 'milestones, completion dates and charge-backs to your contractors for going beyond their completion dates.MILESTONES - Contractor will finish demo work by July 7, 2021, or there will be a penalty of $150 per day for non-completion of this milestone starting July 10, 2021 for each day until this milestone is completed.Plumbing and electrical milestone - Contractor will finish installation of plumbing and electrical work by.....or...Many contractors will walk when you present them with this sort of contract, but if your milestones are more than reasonable then deal with the contractors willing to agree with you.

As others said, boots on the ground are important and knowledge on of the area, upcoming developments and demo changes matter just as much.