(I have done initial interviews with them, but, of course, there nice and responsive initially, but later on, they show their true colors...)

Its not a true comp because its a 2000 compared to my 1987. 

For some places, that is true.  

Very true.  

Hello I am Darlene, live in beautiful Northern California.   

I guess this brings up a larger economic/philosophical issue: What happens to these beautiful brick homes and distressed communities when the costs to renovate exceed the current opinion of ARV? 

You have tons of military bases all around you oh yes and a beautiful thing called an ocean that people travel from all over the world to come visit.Go take an active look at your local market and get your feet wet.

This is true!

On auctions, generally there is no true way to estimate repair costs w/o walking the property, correct?  

@Jeff Rabinowitz, very interesting observation and very true.