And it may end up being cheaper (relatively) to just remove the top of the roof and put in new trusses, joists, insulation, duct work and reroof.

I have been looking there and the properties are much cheaper than the traditional sales.

If you look in the inland empire things are much cheaper but do not sell for as much when rehabbed either. 

Pier and Beam is significantly cheaper than slab repair.

I actually have a great duplex for $699,000 that one side alone brings in 50k a year as a shirt term rental ( AirBNB) Much cheaper cost of living and lots of tax breaks.

Its difficult to look for something with a cheaper price tag in this hot market that will bring in a cash flow.

As for brick houses, they certainly can be cheaper when it comes to renovations since in many cases, all you have to do is pressure wash and fix a few boards or siding pieces on the soffit and facia.With all that said, you probably want to find a contractor or two or three that are willing to look at some potential flips and give you some prices as well as some guidelines on estimating the renovation costs on other houses.

I was recommended by a few people to do this and it worked pretty good, and it was cheaper than everyone posts.

I would look in cheaper markets to start out with to lower your risk and out of pocket money.

One of those simple things that I wish I would have thought of.It has to be cheaper than the traditional surface tension guards since its really just a wide nylon sponge stuffed into the gutter.