The greatest counter to fear, are risk controls, which comes from education. 

If you are tearing down the plaster/drywall/paneling on the walls and exposing the studs and the plumbing is old (not copper for the supply pipes or PVC/ABS for the sewer pipes) I would update the piping.

Since the White Coat Investor analysis I posted earlier seem to be debated by others yet to post counter-point sources I'll share another source that I found while researching WLI a few years back, Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.or...In this analysis from one of the most independently-funded, unbiased consumer advocacy groups in America the outcome was the following: < 5 years: poor investment (versus term)16 years: you break even on cash surrender value + value of insurance received+20 years: dividends exceed term + treasuries alternative, surrender charges disappear In sum CR concludes: This mixed bag of potential benefits and costs is complicated enough for consumers to navigate, but poor disclosure robs consumers of the information they need to comparison shop.

Also, as another member pointed out, always put a maintenance spending limit per month per property in writing Anything above that should require owner approval before proceeding, unless it is an emergency type of repair such as repairing a burst pipe indoors or removing a fallen tree limb from an upstairs window. 

The buyer had an inspection and has requested for some cap ex repairs (new roof and new sewer pipe).

To start look on home dept and you can price out counters sinks flooring etc to get an idea of materials. 

My intention is not to boast but to inspire and share the significant impact that BiggerPockets, especially Joshua Dorkin and Brandon Turner, have had on my life.I first encountered BiggerPockets at 23 while enduring long 14+ hour days as a pipe fitter on hydroelectric dams in northern Manitoba, working 21 days on and 5 days off shift schedules.Although I was earning well for my age and educational background (I barely graduated high school), the job was unfulfilling and almost toxic, mainly because of the dynamics with the associates in the industry.

The leak was immediately resolved within hours of the onset and the plumber summed the cause of all this to an old washer hose (nothing having to do with my pipes). 

That includes pipes, wiring, insulation.

(In Dallas county for example, the minute after you win the bid, you move to the front of the courtroom and run your cash thru the bill counter with the deputy or ran that auction, while the next auction continues.