It's also pretty much a one time cost since you can use your documents for years in future transactions.Not getting local legal advice is penny wise and pound foolish.  

Should this be considered a show stopper, or is this, while undesirable, not uncommon (especially in a 100% investor owned complex)?

For example, they had the wrong year for one of the houses, listing it as built 10 years newer (1962 vs 1952)2nd, the appraiser has a limited percentage amount they can reduce or change a property's value, and he/she can only manipulate certain variables and cannot take into account other unusual or undesirable circumstances (ie - you showing them that the neighborhood has many registered sex offenders living there (the appraiser's words exactly). ) The appraisers need evidence; show them any costs, expenditures, etc., numerical or photographic evidence in your favor to bolster your protestation.

I used a heavy 6 or 8 pound hammer to break the fittings.

I am a contractor, if I give you a price of $1000 for a job that’s worth $1000, you offer me $50/hour and it’s a 6 hour job.. go pound sand and call someone else 

Personally, I'm kind of in the middle...DAP makes a product in 25 pound bags called Plaster Wall Patch (DON'T use true plaster of paris for big reparis because the working time is too short - like 5 min). 

As much as I love BP, I've spent enough time on here to realize there's a fair bit of chest-pounding and most people are not remotely prepared for such an event.

Weighs about 500 pounds.

It kept pounding the drum of covid-19 and job loss, as if it's just that a-b, covid-19 caused job loss and people have no money.

Not having a professional show your property when you are out of the state is Penny Wise & Pound Foolish.