Would you be selling this as an investment property or a retail sale to home owners?

Most claims aren't total losses, so if the house is in a depresssed market and sells for say $40k and has a fire in the kitchen...could easily be $20k in (retail) repairs and they're getting premiums on $40k, the math doesn't work like it normally would. 

I know this is a young age to be thinking of a career but my mates do and I watch programmes about retail often and enjoy the concept and I could see myself doing it and am intrigued by being my own boss!

It's now somewhat more diversified with the largest medical center in the country, several universities, a huge variety of retail outlets and restaurants, the dwindling space center, tons of construction, etc.Still, folks are getting nervous as oil prices plummet and companies begin the inevitable rounds of layoffs (yes, it's already happening).

@Nancy Larcom West of Boston properties generally retail at just under 1% Rent-To-Value.  

Call their office, ask for Brian Cowling and he will get you going.Northern suburbs are great, but you have to pay to play especially in the top school districts because retail buyers will bid up not so nice houses just to get in the district.

MASSIVE Learning on BP is readily available, it's everywhere and can be life changing, if you're willing to trust it and embrace it (after doing your logic checks)...

I get that high end upgrades and all the best trimmings adds significant value for the retail market, but not that high over market.  

What you are being offered here is a retail price. 

Although there is massive demand for long term rentals and rental rates are increasing, it is still extremely difficult/impossible to get cash flows like you can in other areas of the country.