Private money will be cheaper typically, but if I am borrowing from someone inexperienced (like my cousin or uncle), that really has no clue about real estate, I lose that extra layer of protection.Andy

It will be much cheaper to fix than to demo and having it does add value.

Cheaper contractors tend to be more of a handyman, carpenter, drywall guy, or whatever not necessarily a GC.  

Installing a french drain on the interior of the basement is a cheaper fix that many homeowners take, but it's not solving the real problem.

The main way to alleviate that would be having "boots on the ground" so to speak by utilizing a property manager.For example, you can purchase property in Midwestern states for much cheaper than here in sunny California.

I figured this would be fresher (and cheaper) than buying lists. 

Below grade is cheaper because you can pour cement walls as opposed to building 2 x 4's with insulation siding sheathing etc. second, below grade usually has a higher risk of water penetration thus making it a less desirable space.

Removing the wall allowed us to create an open floor plan that tied kitchen, dining area and living room together.Here is the new bathroom in the basement:And the tub / shower combo - we have gone away from ceramic tile and use heavy duty quality shower surrounds, which are not only cheaper, but also get installed much faster and save on holding cost.

Evictions, naturally, are a lot faster, cheaper, and easier than foreclosures.

A cheaper and mostly valid way to get around it is to buy, finance, and insure it in your name.