They are nothing more than a middle man that earns commission by connecting you with flippers in local real estate markets.

And this ISN'T a 'pitch,' nor a 'rationalization,' but if someone other than these 'gurus' did meet people on a level playing field...

When I fist scanned the title I thought it said you were from the government and here to help.One of the scariest phrases known to rational beings. :-)Welcome aboard!

I didn't come to this forum to argue with adult children who are incapable of rational discussion...

You need to decide if you can rationalize the extra cost, it is a classic MBA MAKE versus BUY question. 

again, you're making these wild statements without any sort of rational explanation other than "the coast people know better" thing. 

I also have experience with HomeUnion as a potential buyer and I don't think Scott will tell you they are doing those types of rehabs nor did they control pricing on properties (at the time at least) it was more a middle man service at least when I was talking to them. 

I think you know what the answer is, but your emotions are getting the best of you.Having said all of this, you can still make this a "win-win" situation...just don't let emotions rationalize your "win-win" into a "win (tenant)-loss (you)".

Y You're rationalizing a poor deal into a good one.

At this point, it's usually emotions and/or rationalizations of some miracle save from a future event we have no control over, that tells us to stick it out.