I am wondering how your test went. my plumber suggested i just re pipe all the gas lines in the house to ensure a pass on the test. he thinks it is a gamble to attempt to diagnose and repair leaks and repeat the test if there are any leaks because i might end up paying more than re piping. this is such a pain.

If you do an auction, you just have to be okay with the gamble that you might be buying a lemon with a ton of problems!

We will be receiving another check to cover the actual lost rents.It is a gamble to not have it. 

You arent talking about investing , you are talking about gambling . 

To me, it sounds like a classic alcohol or gambling problem.  

Speculation is just gambling. 

That said, no one can say for sure if and when that might happen.Thoughts on if it's better to put a larger downpayment now to at least breakeven vs. taking a short-term loss on cash flow and take a gamble on being able to refinance sooner rather than later?

Here’s a better idea: reframe the question.Short term investments are more of a gamble.

Where you are at when you are not working off shore? 

Now is not the time to gamble though.