It does not matter to me one bit if they are working in this market or elsewhere in the country, I simply want to learn and be exposed to the highs and lows of the business. 

There's too much identity theives out there to expose even one digit.I wonder if they'll last 10 years on that home. 10M is nothing to these guys, and no luxury cars?

A good agent will expose the home to millions of potential buyers.  

However in your case, you live in California with high income taxes and investing in Texas would expose you to high property taxes.

I'll paint oil-based Kilz on any exposed char or smoke damage post demo, add new HVAC and plumbing, do a complete rewire, install 3.5 new baths (only 1.5 are new; others will be re-dos) and a new kitchen. 

There was some questionable electrical that was exposed when we started tearing things apart so we felt that rewiring it would be the best course of action.4) We originally planned to refinish the hardwood in the living room and bedrooms, but after some consideration, have decided to install new flooring throughout the entire house. 

Required work:Electrical wiring and fixturesPlumbing fixturesSheetrock install/mud/paint Flooring (currently exposed is half slab and half old flooring)HVAC repair/installI appreciate any input!

If it's a short sale, lender will require it be listed on the open market and trying to circumvent that with a "Subject to" exposes you to acceleration of the loan.

I know there are landlords that protest that including these items will expose them to unmanageable maintenance costs but to be honest we rarely get calls (I use top load washers - more durable and simpler technology than front loaders).

In the living room there is a gas log propane system that is completely clean with no black soot on it.