This person, being a lawyer has all the time in the world to just tie me up in legal battles.

So if I were to go the OZ route with the example 1M gain it would look something like this:B/C CA is "Non-conforming" to OZ, PAY THE CA PORTION OF THE TAX IMMEDIATELY -- ABOUT $105k   (i.e. pay by 04/15/2022)- TAXES ON REMAINING GAIN DUE TO IRS about $345K.- Those taxes will be due 12/31/2026 (pay by 04/15/2027?)

The reason no one will be able to give you an average cost (in my opinion) is because we have no info on what lines are needed, how far they are going, what floor is this on, is there a stack near by to tie into or a new line run all the way to the main for drain etc. 

Now, financing the entire build with your own funds ties up a lot of your capital.

I also won't close until all repairs are done; I don't trust the whole "put the money for repairs in escrow upon close".And good call cutting ties with MW instead of trying to exit the deal with his promise of a profit.

I have a number of elderly neighbors who have been here for 20+ years and I expect they will live out their remaining years in current house.

Once you have a current COI, then just look at the dates tied to their lines of insurance coverage (General Liability, Workers Comp, etc.). 

Philadelphia Metro: Median Sales Price Up 9%, Overall Sales Down 12.8% YoYWhile the market remains solid, there is growing tension between several key market metrics: supply, prices, and sales.

Tenant has 50% of the money, plans to have remaining 50% of the money by mid-2022. 

As for your agent contact, don't get tied up with the first one you meet.