The best way to save money is to lay aside your pride. work your a$$ off, delay gratification, and think long term.

So I basically would want a person who looks at the whole house and gives me the appraisal cost, the areas that need fixing (ex. kitchen cabinets, tiles, bathrooms, plumbing, electricity, etc.), and how much the cost would be.Then this way, I could decide to proceed or not based on the assessment.

If that all look good my best advice is lay low and don't make any noise about it.  

I wouldn't throw just things at her, lay the pros and cons out on paper. 

This open concept home includes designer styled kitchen with custom cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances including a stainless steel farmhouse sink, vented hood system, and a stunning glass tile back splash.

Kitchen has custom Cabinets, Stainless Steel appliances including Gas range with pot filler, tile backsplash and leathered marble countertops.

This open concept home includes designer styled kitchen with custom cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances including a stainless steel farmhouse sink, vented hood system, and a stunning glass tile back splash.

Get a better lay of the land before planting the roots. 

This open concept home includes designer styled kitchen with custom cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances including a stainless steel farmhouse sink, vented hood system, and a stunning glass tile back splash.

Instead, you killed the goose that lays the golden eggs.