The guy tried to use an adapter to connect PEX water pipes to copper water pipes.  

My strategy is buy-to-rent so I don't need to coat it in granite and travertine tile, but want it to be quality work and quality craftsmanship.

Welcome to BP Penny.

With the foreclosure looming you would need to execute the process quickly and with a RM they're going to want every penny out of it they can get.

@Penny ClarkI appreciate the well written response.

Because sometimes 23k gets you a decent kitchen in a brand new home.Because sometimes a quick coat of paint beats rust : )Because when you are checking out parks in the DFW metroplex , you just have to drive by Mark Cuban's house.  

Penny wise and pound foolish.Hire a contractor that will pay you or credit you for work you can do;But, you must do it correctly,do it on time as required,not do something that hangs other subs waiting for you or getting in their way,And, get a 1099 because if you don't you'll be overstating your flip income and understating your earned income.

However, the owner doesn't know what time of wiring is used in the home and if the wiring has been mixed (copper and aluminum). 

I would tell them very nicely to think of their family and embrace reality by preparing them to move somewhere else.You need to explain to them their ability to negotiate a good sale is diminishing by the day every day it gets closer to the foreclosure auction and if they don't sell at least 5 days before that date they won't get a penny,let alone a few thousand cash to pay for moving expenses and a security deposit on a new rental apt.They are living in the delusion they can still get out of the mess and go on as normal.You need to make them understand you are their best hope to get back to a normal life some place else and that you have a business to run and make a profit.

The unit cost a pretty penny ( 4k installed ) but will pay for itself in the long run especially since you will be saving on low gas bills in future.