This was amplified by a terrible GC we were using at the time who we unfortunately were committed to due to naively believing he would finish the job with the payment setup we had.

Breaking the law, lying, or committing fraud to get ahead = BAD.

Maybe houses older than 1978 are less prevalent there.I would only replace the wood if it really needs to be replaced. 

But before I commit to this I am curious about the exit strategy.

Whatever you do don't stop until you get what you are committed to.

When you deliberately lower your deductions to artificially inflate your income - and then use that tax return to qualify for a mortgage, you have committed mortgage fraud.What you can do is make certain elections.For example, some repairs you can elect to depreciate. 

If you want a commitment to budget and I need subcontractors numbers to do it you need a deposit down.

Moseley provides free continuing ed, so I think I'll be able to avoid that $2000/year to maintain the license, but the time commitment is still there. 

He's a very committed worker. 

Demographic influences refer to things in your area that affect the market, such as, the ever prevalent covid in large cities.