We have the option of paying the full cost of replacing the lateral line from the new water main to our house for $1700 while the city is undertaking the main replacement      The water lines in our city have an exterior coating of lead.

OK, I do think that he will be doing new construction on the site and there is a 1031 into new construction of a similar property, but I will see what I can find out.

The windows are bordered up and sometimes i see construction workers go in and out but not enough to the point where its is going to livable in the next 6 months.

@Richard Oswald Google "Critical Path Method for Construction".

Kyle/Buda looks like it is flooded with new construction, I haven't been seeing many older properties for sale (granted haven't been looking that hard there).

I already have a team for construction and some property management, but was wondering about outsourcing for vacation rentals. 

They will also incorporate a construction type loan you can work into your loan package for the remodel.

I have seen estimates for new construction of $125-$200/sf, but that includes the actual structure, which I already have.

When the closing entity simply holds your money in their escrow account after closing you are deemed to have constructive receipt (meaning control if not possession) of the money. 

Finding a PM who can competently oversee major construction is great, I haven’t found one who can in my market yet.