@Brien OConnor, the only other observation I would make is that it seems like you have a lot of money into each of these deals.  

I can't tell you where/how to invest, but I will make a general observation.  

One: turns out that no matter how carefully I observed and took notes, there was a world of difference between the initial, "this is a solid house!

The piping must pass a pressure test observed by DOB.Your plumber also must open a service request with National Grid to provide another gas meter, and they will come out and do their own survey and require authorization from DOB (given as the permit is signed off).

What I did was make an observation that a lot of people in this thread have a reading comprehension problem. 

Observing volume fluctuations in regions, government policy effects, various buyer types, and learning about the most recent financing available has given me an MBA in Real Estate.

10 REASONS FORECLOSURES ARE TOXICThe following observations are based on my own personal experiences with foreclosures over the last three years.  

Also, from my observation and what I have read, San Diego isn't the place to invest with a buy and hold strategy right now.

Your initial offer should have taken into account any items that would have been observable during your walkthrough, as well as any items the seller disclosed in advance.

That extra cost "went away" btw...I'm posting as an observer looking at both sides thinking it's a good lesson for everyone to either carefully choose a VERY trustworthy agent to tend to one's business OOS or meticulously monitor the work being done.