Then we had a Water and sewer leak we were having difficulty detecting.  

But your first home there or elsewhere might be a 2-4 unit and may not be far off.With some of the state budget cuts looming, there could be deals to be had if you can do the detective work (i.e., not the MLS but the asking around, networking etc).Either way, saving up a down payment and learning about real estate might be a good way forward.Best of luck!

Your detective work paid off...you screened them out.

We place water alarms under sink cabinets and by the hot water heater to detect leaks.

For example, there are animals that have an innate ability to detect that a person with a seizure disorder is about to have a seizure and can let the individual know ahead of time so that the person can prepare.

Detective Rito!  

Add ons can come up with unknowns but you don't want to pay for things that you thought were part original agreement.Another thing that typically isn't correct in older homes and is fairly easy to detect is ventilation.

If the walls are block walls, this can be detected by observing the first course of block, to see whether it is a full block or a partial block that is visible above the floor level. http://forums.finehomebuilding.com/breaktime/gener...Hopefully they only cut the studs real close to the ground so repair is just sistering.

I have no reason to believe there was any foul play involved - but really I am in the dark about exactly what happened (I reached out to the detective and gave my contact info, but since its an ongoing investigation, they can't tell me anything).  

If I detected any "games" I doubled down again and found four agents, and double down again and again.