In particular, I want to get started renovating homes outside of the Northampton, MA area, where quaint country homes are a prime market for visiting professors and working professionals.

He had the locks changed and a remnant the day after closing. 

It's a quaint little city that you can't help but love.  

Since I last posted, I hired a contractor, purchased a granite remnant (almost a whole slab) at a discount, and ordered kitchen cabinets from the Lowe's store near the property I am renovating.

Call a few countertop providers and ask if they have any remnant pieces that are discounted.

Buy remnants, buy at clearance, buy at yard sales, think outside the box to survive and grow.

not sure how much), and use the formal dining as a quaint living room.

The area is a nice quaint area, property is .56 acres, stately landscaping with evergreens and shaped shrubs. the back yard has a cute river/creek down a little slope from the house. walking distance to little downtown area and park, 2 miles down the road from the top high school in the state, and 5-10 min from department stores / home depot / walmart / strip mall / nice salons and spas etc. hope that helps answer your question. 25 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, WI. a lot of lakes in the area. 

While there may be a chance of something under the patio, I’d figure it’s highly unlikely if there are no remnants of supply lines or fill pipes.

I have a very nice, quaint 1400 sq foot home in Tucson AZ (area of Sabino Canyon Road and Tanque Verde road).