Is that because of non-payment, stolen, or was it removed because interior gas lines were leaking and you will need to get them approved/certified/permit pulled before gas co will put it back on. 

I would be interested to know if you considered the following scenario where that one 8/4 property could be easily transformed into a multi unit with a few interior walls erected.

Have to redo some interior walls and ceilings due to previous water leak from upstairs unit.

Another way of increasing the ceiling height would only change the materials costs on a  few interior walls.It's just not a simple enough question to answer well with a simple number, and that is probably part of the reason your contractor isn't giving you a quick answer, either.

Or like Jonathan suggested maybe I sub them out for general labor or start a side business for interior demo work.

It needed new HVAC systems, all the exterior love, new windows, and a full interior renovation - 4 beds, 2.5 baths, a full kitchen, and all the fixins. 

1) Use Google Streetview to check out at least 1-2 blocks in all 4 directions around the target property2) Hire a PMC to do a video of the neighborhood and interior if they can get access.

Painted the interior & rented out within days for $1375.00 a month. 

You can ask for an interior inspection and you will pay for that inspection if they agree to it. sometimes this is specified due to occupancy or condition of the house.  

We then find out that she has moved her girlfriend and her gf’s kid into the house and has put locks on the interior doors (so far I don’t think she has changed the lock on the exterior doors, but that may have changed by now).