I am very interested in alternative building concepts like Earth Bags, and (especially) shipping containers. 

I could see where on a $100k or so property  $2-3k to replace for flooring might be hard to justify, so if you are bound and determined to keep the carpet try buying 2 big bags of baking soda (warehouse stores --maybe $7 for a 10lb bag), and sprinkle generously over ALL the carpet.

The mark of a truly good contractor is generally the tools in his tool bag along with his experience and level of sophistication.Xactimate over the years has more than proven itself as one of the best tools a truly good contractor could have in his tool chest.

I understand they might need to hold over some money for final bills but our contract finishes end of September and we can't get June's rent out of them.Definitely in the dirt bag category. 

I assume the deed is witnessed and notarized so I would ask the title company if affidavits were obtained from one or more of them averring to the deeds authenticity would that suffice.

Plus keeping the line open for future deals is a good tool to have in the bag for future potential properties. 

You can take out as little or as much galvanized line as is convenient or that makes sense to you.The one thing I will say about PEX is that you should buy the fittings in bags of 50 online, you're get a WAY cheaper rate than buying them in any walk-in hardware store.

It was previously a "flea bag" motel that I renovated. 

I have nice tool bag that I carry around that has the essential tools that I need.

Roll them up, wrap them in heavy plastic (contractor grade trash bags work well) and store them in the basement.