There should already be a shutoff valve either next to the meter, on in a box in the yard, but maybe that valve is rusted or stuck or otherwise not working. 

Electrical boxes can be extended as needed.

money too leave and assistance in relocating and boxes, etc. 

I feel like I’m being slightly safer than the other essential box stores and am open to being more safe.

Most of the trim (baseboards, window boxes, door casings) had been scratched and chewed by the dogs and was ruined.Being long-term tenants (~9yrs) the finish flooring would need to be replaced anyway, but the amount of damage to the subfloor - particularly on the ground level necessitated removal of the entire subfloor.The bathroom vanity was in rough shape and there was a mysteriously missing square of drywall from behind the toilet (earlier pictures from when we purchased the property showed no hole behind the toilet).The carpet on the stairs and in the closet under the stairs was originally a light green in colour (with traces of red).  

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area:http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts:http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Unfortunately some people are either just not that good with their computers and the internet, may not even notice the search box, or as you've stated they are simply lazy!

I suggest you use the search feature (upper right box) as there are over a thousand posts on the matter.

You will see it under the text box.

In a 750K home we had a $8,000 tub faucet, you won't get that at a box store!