So during the days for over 1 year, I destroyed myself re-wiring, re-plumbing, ripping out floor joists, tiling, hanging drywall, installing new HVAC units..etc.. 

Hello All, Currently, all the properties I own are currently rentals while 1 is being rebuilt via insurance due to being destroyed by fire.

Sounds like recent fire destroyed properties.  

@Bosko Mijatovic This is probably not the ideal strategy, permits in CA are a nightmare and if you don't do it right or try to do it cheap you will just destroy the value of your property. 

VA appraisals include all of that plus a "wood destroying insect report".Good luck!

You've now entangled yourself into another potentially sticky situation because you possess some of her things and she could refuse to pick them up and them claim you destroyed her stuff if you dump it.I hope it works out for you.

If you had to default fIr domr unforeseen difficultly it could destroy your relationship with not only her but your wife .

You can prob skip on the driveway unless your driveway is completely destroyed. 

Don’t let chicken little destroy your dream

After hurricane Ike my parents moved into the house as theirs was destroyed and still live there as its ground level and not elevated.