I appreciate the honest feedback (and yes, good point in terms of the "TMI," I am still feeling around for the right amount of openness to get good answers and keeping personal info shrouded). 

I think there might be some bad debt collection practices if the repayment was solicited when no debt was owed.This sounds like a scam, to be honest. 

Honestly, I were her I would either pull a HELOC on it to either:A: Finance a rental property or B:Privately lend to people at high interest rates. 

I honestly cant believe you are even worried about crumbs???

I have a lot of trade experience so I was able to do a lot of work myself. also im honest and followed through with everything I said I would do so I would consider that valuable, lol What was the outcome?

Do I just be honest and say hey this is too high I’d like my regular painter to look at it?

The price is so low that it wouldn’t even be a huge deal if it were vacant for a few months and to be honest I do want to open a brew pub with my brother some day.

I've just started working with Michael Ward of Flyer Homes Realty, but so far have found him honest, communicative, and informed!

To be honest, I am looking into doing Wholesaling.

I'm pretty good at being able to pull out information from the seller such as what they plan to do next, why they're selling, etc...the real honest tip I can give is (as cliche as it sounds) is to listen.