Sometimes staying put with your original offer (and adding a couple of hundred) might work for you for your consideration.

Yes, you can probably reduce cost of sales and perhaps other numbers but you cannot significantly reduce rehab costs and there will always be surprises which will burn you if you do not have sufficient funds set aside.Flip considerations• Typically, lenders will only finance properties that are already livable so financing damaged properties can be a challenge.

I agree with what you're saying in most cases, especially standard flips, etc.In this case there's some additional considerations because it's personal...I'm also trying to figure out visibly respectful ways to handle this, because I'm looking to use these methods for future probate deals, and I want to have tools in my belt that I can use to demonstrate respect for the relatives and their loss. 

The fact that their letter to you asks for a mold inspection suggests to me that they have already become aware that mold can be used to leverage a legal case against you which stands to win them a considerable settlement from your insurance company.

excellent counsel here - thanks esp Julie and Jackie - I am interested in Italy to retire in, but not Venice which I do love but...frankly I would like Trieste more as a place to live/invest in.Venice has its own particular structural considerations - esp if it is near a canal / the areas that flood etc - try to visit in more than one season and also at night - sometimes places that are totally quiet and idyllic by day have horrendous noise at night.EU laws also make life difficult for living/investing!

Dimensions and height of he structure are restrictive because I had to build on the site of a torn down single-car garage & its tool shed.

Here in Oregon a 1,500 sf house runs about $2500-3500 to paint two colors on the exterior, depending on the height of the walls and how many stories?  

Tobin Hill, Dignowity, Alamo Heights, etc, are definitely a lot higher.  

@Gina VaughnSt Louis Metro East is a big area and yes, Ferguson is something you have to take into consideration especially if the properties are in East St.

I'm not sure how viable being a "part-time" agent is but this is on the short-list of considerations.