So if the contract states is not assignable, but that section is crossed out and written atop is "this contract is assignable..." will that hold up if a legal battle is pursued?

I know its a headache and definitely not worth any type of battle, but she should be held somewhat accountable.  

South LA, West Adams, Jefferson, those areasBTW knowledge is only half the battle in RE... for instance most of the real estate investors I know never read a book or forums etc (except maybe a couple general RE investing books)   but just took action, were ambitious and frugal.  

I haven't sold my existing investment property yet (fingers crossed for a closing next week), so the 45-day identification period hasn't officially started, but I'm trying to formulate my strategy to make sure I make the most of it.What are your best approaches to "buy right" so to speak when you're up against the 1031 clock and battling a competitive market?

Take this as a lesson to ask for appraisal earlier in the year or fight the up hill battle against county government criminals?

Finding the right help is 90% of the battle. 

Needless to say, I have been fighting that same battle.

It involves a legal battle, a fraudulent contractor and much more.  

Will the wife win this battle or will I?

As you may be figuring out, half the battle is finding someone who will show up and do the work when they say they will.